Global soil science research collaboration in the 21st century: Time to end helicopter research

Global soil science research collaboration is essential to understand soil and its role in global ecosystem func-
tioning. In particular, collaboration between developed and less-developed countries can generate new knowl-
edge and provide capacity building. However, this collaboration is not always equal. ‘Helicopter research’ in soil
science describes the situation where scientists from wealthier nations collect soil samples from less-developed
countries, take the samples back to their country for analysis and publish the results with little involvement of
local researchers. This article briefly reviews colonial science and helicopter research from different fields in-
cluding soil science, and highlights the negative effects. The argument that local scientists do not fulfil the
criteria of being an author is often used as an excuse for not establishing true collaboration. Finally, this paper
offers suggestions to achieve equal research partnerships and ground helicopter research. Soil science can
provide leadership in this issue which is less-discussed in cognate fields