Authors
Mariama C. Dryák-Vallies (CIRES), Alice Hill (Aotearoa/New Zealandâs Te Papa Atawhai/Department of Conservation), Alexandra Padilla (DARPA), Alison Mattheis (California State University, Los Angeles), Alyse Thurber (CIRES), Anne Gold (CIRES), Blair Schneider (University of Kansas), Emily Ward (CIRES), Erika MarÃn-Spiotta (University of Wisconsin), Kristy Tiampo (CIRES), Matthew Dawson (CIRES), Meredith Hastings (Brown University), Mylène Jacquemart (ETH Zurich), Ryan Cassotto (University of Maine)
Abstract
Field-based research is integral to many geoscientific studies, yet exclusionary behaviors in these settings are pervasive and persistent. Widespread recognition of their prevalence and the harm they cause has led to demands for cultural change and increased training and preparation for researchers heading into the field. In response to this, weâve created and launched ADVANCEing FieldSafety, a training program for researchers participating in or leading field campaigns to help create a safe and inclusive field team environment. ADVANCEing FieldSafety was developed as a collaboration that leveraged the University of Colorado-Boulderâs (UC) FieldSafe training and ADVANCEGeo Partnershipâs workplace climate training. ADVANCEing FieldSafetyis a widely accessible training program delivered as a MOOC on coursera.org, with toolkits for field-ready resources, and live zoom debriefs. The training includes strategies for creating and implementing codes of conduct, communication tools for effective group dynamics, allyship training, bystander intervention techniques, traditional and identity-focused safety-centered risk assessment strategies, and evidence-based practices for inclusive mentorship in field settings. Two layers of certification are available: a basic certification for online training completion, or a deeper certification designed to help field teams meet new field safety and harassment-mitigation plan requirements recently required by various funding agencies for new proposals (e.g., United States National Science Foundation). We present the major elements of the new online course, as well as preliminary results of the pre- and post-evaluation data from course participants that give initial insights into program efficacy.