Published June 2, 2025 | Version v1
Journal article Open

A Use Case Approach to Integrate Ecological Research Networks and Infrastructures to Advance Macrosystem Science

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Battelle, National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), Boulder, CO, United States of America|Institute of Alpine and Arctic Research, University of Colorado, , CO, USA;, Boulder, CO, United States of America
  • 2. Battelle, National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), Boulder, United States of America|Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States of America
  • 3. Battelle, National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), Boulder, United States of America
  • 4. School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, United States of America
  • 5. Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) Australia, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
  • 6. Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
  • 7. Red de Ambiente y Sustentabilidad, Instituto de Ecología (INECOL), A.C.,, Xalapa, Mexico
  • 8. Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, A.C. (IPICYT), San Luis Potosi, Mexico
  • 9. School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, United States of America
  • 10. College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States of America
  • 11. Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, Chihuahua, Mexico
  • 12. Escuela Nacional de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
  • 13. Ciencias de la Tierra, Instituto de Geología,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México(UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
  • 14. Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geochemistry, Brussels, Belgium
  • 15. Programa Universitario de Estudios Interdisciplinarios del Suelo (PUEIS), Instituto de Geologia. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
  • 16. Escuela Nacional de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico|Programa Universitario de Estudios Interdisciplinarios del Suelo (PUEIS), Instituto de Geologia. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
  • 17. Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, Obregón, Mexico
  • 18. Battelle, National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), Boulder, CO, United States of America
  • 19. Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
  • 20. University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
  • 21. Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
  • 22. Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa|South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Elwandle Coastal Node, Gqeberha, South Africa|Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
  • 23. Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
  • 24. Open Science Institute for Computation and Data-enabled Insight (ICDI), University of Arizona,, Tucson, United States of America
  • 25. Data Science Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America

Description

We explore how the Global Ecosystem Research Infrastructure (GERI) proposes a pathway for other Networks and Networks-of-Networks (NoNs) can work together and accelerate collaborations and data harmonization to address global environmental challenges. Recognizing that contemporary environmental issues transcend geopolitical boundaries, we advocate for collaborative frameworks that integrate top-down structured ecosystems research infrastructures (ERIs) with bottom-up environmental networks (ENs). We highlight the unique characteristics of ERIs, including their long-term data collection capabilities and structured governance, in contrast to the flexible and innovative nature of ENs. We address the technical and organizational barriers that hinder effective collaboration and data sharing among these entities and draw upon two use cases:

ecological drought; andthe integration of Mexican ENs into a NoNs framework.

Through workshops and strategic leadership tools, we established a shared understanding and collective identity among these diverse stakeholders, and fosteri sustainable organizational practices and enhance global environmental observations. Our findings underscore the importance of addressing cultural dynamics and building mutual trust to ensure the long-term sustainability of collaborative efforts in ecological research and data integration. Together top-down ERIs that support standardized and long-term observational continuity, and bottom-up ENs that introduce new perspectives and data types, provide the complementarity to support the data and human capital required to address the Grand Challenges of global environmental change.

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