Established 40 years ago, the NSF Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program provides an unparalleled opportunity for synthesis research into multiple ecosystem properties over decadal time scales and diverse sites. Such synthesis must overcome numerous scientific, technical, logistical and social obstacles. By bringing together researchers from multiple networks, synthesis centers such as NCEAS, SESynC, and the Powell Center ensure that the solutions for overcoming technical and logistical obstacles have broad applicability and longer lifespans. Harmonized formats for complex ecological data (EcoCommDP for community data, for example) are emerging from multi-network synthesis groups. At the same time, the social and intellectual interactions cultivate more connected and productive networks of both LTER and non-LTER scientists.
Results/Conclusions
Located at NCEAS, the LTER Network Office supports synthesis working groups to conduct cross-site research. In exit surveys, working group members most frequently identify the benefits of participation as 1) “building, expanding a professional network”, 2) “opportunity to have others enhance my work”, and 3) ”chance to participate in group problem solving.” Deliberately designing cross-network synthesis efforts that promote a sense of community will help to cultivate synergies among networks such as LTER, National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), and Long-term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) and identify emerging challenges in the field.