An introduction to agent‐based models as an accessible surrogate to field‐based research and teaching

• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6848
• Publication Date: 2020-10-02T12:24:20Z
• Authors: Kilian J. Murphy; Simone Ciuti; Adam Kane
• Keywords: Agent-Based Model

There are many barriers to fieldwork including cost, time, and physical ability. Unfortunately, these disproportionately affect minority communities create a disparity in access the natural sciences. Travel restrictions, concerns about our carbon footprint, global lockdown have extended this barrier across community led increased anxiety gaps productivity, especially among graduate students early-career researchers. In paper, we discuss agent-based modeling as an open-source, accessible, inclusive resource substitute for lost during COVID-19 future scenarios of travel restrictions such climate change economic downturn. We describe benefits Agent-Based models teaching training education levels. how why educators research scientists can implement them with examples from literature on be applied broadly life science research. aim amplify awareness adoption technique broaden diversity size ecology evolutionary Finally, challenges facing quantitative work tandem traditional field improve both methods.