Field work is an important component of many astrobiology studies, and a recent paper discusses the necessity of ethical practices when scientists enter the field to conduct their work. The paper results from an event where geoscientists gathered for conversations about the importance of ethical sampling at a Town Hall at the 2021 American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting convened by the AGU Geomagnetism, Paleomagnetism and Electromagnetism Section and the Geological Society of America (GSA). The paper provides context for and elaborates on the discussion at that Town Hall and in focused meetings that stemmed from it.

The discussions highlighted the need to focus on Indigenous perspectives, knowledges, and relationship to the land when defining what is ethical, and that expanding geoethics in partnership with Indigenous experts will improve equity in geoscience. The major recommendation of the work centers on equally valuing Indigenous and Western perspectives and knowledges, with actions that include building relationships with Indigenous communities, teaching ethical sampling protocols in geoscience curricula, and broadly implementing sharable sample archives. Reviewing studies throughout their planning and execution for ethical sampling and permission to increase accountability is also crucial. Co-creating guidelines and practices with Indigenous partnership and expertise will ensure that equity is an essential component of geoethics, and guarantee that geoscience studies are performed for the true benefit of society as a whole.

The paper, “Co-Creating Ethical Practices and Approaches for Fieldwork,” was published in AGU Advances.