Parachute science (also known as colonial or helicopter science) refers to research practices in which scientists from wealthier countries conduct studies in low-income countries without meaningful, long-term involvement of local researchers or sustained investment in building local research capacity. Such inequitable relationships may occur despite good intentions and often persist due to limited awareness. The Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (SMBE) is particularly committed to raising awareness of these issues and promoting fair and inclusive research practices. Accordingly, SMBE encourages both authors and conference presenters to indicate whether research involving resources (e.g. species, populations, or surveys) collected in low-income countries complies with the Nagoya Protocol, to include local scientific collaborators from the earliest stages of the project—including its design—and to highlight efforts made to engage with and give back to local communities.
