The Importance of Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) Science in Surface Processes Research
This article provides a commentary about the state of integrated, coordinated, open, and networked (ICON) principles in Earth and Planetary Surface Processes (EPSP) and discussion on the opportunities and challenges of adopting them. This commentary focuses on the challenges with current inclusive, equitable, and accessible science and highlights how research undertaken in the earth and planetary surface processes community currently benefits from and would be able to grow as a discipline with more directed implementation of ICON principles.
Better adoption of ICON principles into all aspects of EPSP research are essential for advancing the discipline and for breaking down barriers to greater inclusion and community engagement.
The study of EPSP would benefit from the further advancement of ICON principles throughout each aspect of our work. Application of the ICON principles within EPSP will help us respond to daunting and complex issues such as climate change and the increase in climate-related disasters such as wildfires and flooding that disproportionately impact minority, indigenous, and underserved communities.