Leading Change in the Field: SES Faculty Advance Research on Safer and More Inclusive Geoscience Fieldwork
Research co-authored by Melisa Diaz, Assistant Professor in The Ohio State University School of Earth Sciences and Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, is helping lead important conversations about creating safer, more inclusive, and more effective field research environments across the geosciences.
A recent study published in AGU Advances, Examining Harmful Field Interactions in Geoscience Fieldwork and Strategies for Change, surveyed geoscientists about their experiences during fieldwork and identified both the prevalence and impacts of harmful interactions in research settings. The study found that such experiences are common and often go unreported, highlighting the need for stronger training, clearer codes of conduct, and improved reporting pathways.
The research was recently featured in an Eos news story republished by Phys.org, bringing national attention to the challenges and opportunities facing the geoscience community. The article emphasizes how evidence-based approaches can help ensure that field research remains safe, inclusive, and accessible for researchers at all career stages.
As a co-author on this work, Professor Diaz is contributing to efforts that strengthen the culture of Earth science research while improving the experiences of students, early-career scientists, and field researchers worldwide. The study exemplifies how School of Earth Sciences faculty are not only advancing scientific discovery but also helping shape best practices that make geoscience research more welcoming, ethical, and impactful for future generations.
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