From Ship to Shore: Publication Support in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program

The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) is an international marine research program that monitors subseafloor environments and explores Earth's history and structure as recorded in seafloor sediments and rocks. The U.S. component of IODP operates a research vessel with scientific laboratories that operate around the clock, normally for two-month-long expeditions. A publications specialist sails as a technician on each expedition and works closely with the multinational science party to collect data and reports that become the published record of each expedition. The publications specialist interfaces with participating scientists before each expedition to prepare the templates that will be used to display geologic data and descriptions. The interaction continues aboard the ship, the JOIDES Resolution, as the science demands. In addition, the publications specialist assists with other aspects of graphics production and report collection.  A similar publication staffing model has been adopted by the Japanese component of IODP, and a modified version is used by the European IODP affiliate. By making a publications representative an integral part of each expedition, IODP is able to effectively coordinate the creation of scientific publications at sea and to ensure continuity on shore, where the final publication products of each IODP expedition are produced.