Aligning multiple driver research through the Multiple Environmental Driver Design Lab for Experiments (MEDDLE)

Christina M McGraw¹, Sam Dupont², Christopher E. Cornwall³, Sinead Collins⁴, Philip W. Boyd⁵

¹ Department of Chemistry and Coastal People: Southern Skies Centre of Research Excellence, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9010, New Zealand, ² Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Kristineberg, Sweden, ³ School of Biological Sciences and Coastal People: Southern Skies Centre of Research Excellence, University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand, ⁴ Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, ⁵ Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 7005, Australia

Correspondence: Christina M. McGraw, christina.mcgraw@otago.ac.nz

Designing intercomparable multiple-driver experiments is challenging, given the large number of drivers (local, regional and global) and experimental permutations. To help researchers align their experimental approaches, Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) infrastructural project was established: Changing Ocean Biological Systems: how will biota respond to a changing ocean?. This project has developed a five-part, web-based Best Practice Guide (https://meddle-scor149.org/), which includes: (1) an electronic book that demonstrates how to break down a complex questions into a suite of simpler experiments, (2) eight video tutorials that explore specific aspects of multiple-driver research (e.g. Developing a Driver Inventory, Experimental Design, and Scenarios vs. Mechanisms), (3) a three-step Decision Support Tool that guides researchers through the development of an experimental design and data analysis plan, (4) MEDDLE simulation software that generates multiple-driver experimental data to explore experimental design and analysis options, and (5) teaching resources that allow easy incorporation of the MEDDLE resources into classes and laboratories. These linked resources help researchers design tractable multiple-driver experiments and will lead to improved prediction of responses to ocean change through better alignment of research efforts.