Fig. 2.

The relative contributions of resources by NEON or other observatory networks (yellow shaded area) and independent researchers (purple shaded area) to specific types of projects vary. At Level 1, researchers largely use existing data collected by NEON to address outstanding questions in their field. At Level 2, researchers may use samples housed at the NEON Biorepository to address their specific research questions. At Levels 3 and 4, researchers may need to either collaborate with NEON or work independently at or near NEON sites to collect additional data. For instance, independent researchers could collect additional data at NEON sites (Level 3) or focus on a species of interest by setting up their own study site adjacent to NEON sites (Level 4). Although these collaborations hold much potential, it will require NEON to work with independent researchers to collect additional data to address their specific research questions (e.g., through the Assignable Assets Program offered by NEON).