AUTHOR=Pastor Ada , Hernández-del Amo Elena , Giménez-Grau Pau , Fillol Mireia , Pereda Olatz , Flores Lorea , Sanpera-Calbet Isis , Bravo Andrea G. , Martín Eduardo J. , Poblador Sílvia , Arroita Maite , Rasines-Ladero Rubén , Ruiz Celia , del Campo Rubén , Abril Meritxell , Reyes Marta , Casas-Ruiz Joan Pere , Fernández Diego , de Castro-Català Núria , Tornero Irene , Palacin-Lizarbe Carlos , Arce María Isabel , Mora-Gómez Juanita , Gómez-Gener Lluís , Monroy Silvia , Freixa Anna , Lupon Anna , María González-Ferreras Alexia , Estévez Edurne , Rodríguez-Lozano Pablo , Solagaistua Libe , Rodríguez-Castillo Tamara , Aristi Ibon , Martínez Aingeru , Catalán Núria TITLE=Early-Career Coordinated Distributed Experiments: Empowerment Through Collaboration JOURNAL=Frontiers in Education VOLUME=5 YEAR=2020 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2020.00013 DOI=10.3389/feduc.2020.00013 ISSN=2504-284X ABSTRACT=

Coordinated distributed experiments (CDEs) enable the study of large-scale ecological patterns in geographically dispersed areas, while simultaneously providing broad academic and personal benefits for the participants. However, the effective involvement of early-career researchers (ECRs) presents major challenges. Here, we analyze the benefits and challenges of the first CDE exclusively led and conducted by ECRs (i.e. ECR-CDE), which sets a baseline for similar CDEs, and we provide recommendations for successful CDE execution. ECR-CDEs achieve most of the outcomes identified in conventional CDEs as well as extensive benefits for the young cohort of researchers, including: (i) receiving scientific credit, (ii) peer-training in new concepts and methods, (iii) developing leadership and communication skills, (iv) promoting a peer network among ECRs, and (v) building on individual engagement and independence. We also discuss the challenges of ECR-CDEs, which are mainly derived from the lack of independence and instability of the participants, and we suggest mechanisms to address them, such as resource re-allocation and communication strategies. We conclude that ECR-CDEs can be a relevant tool to empower ECRs across disciplines by fostering their training, networking and personal well-being.