Sortee

Overview

Sortee, officially known as the Society for Open, Reliable, and Transparent Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization. Its mission is to foster a community that promotes education, support, and camaraderie among individuals committed to open science in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology.

History

The society was launched in December 2020 by a group of 22 founding members. The idea for Sortee was conceived in 2015 when its founding president, Tim Parker, co-organized a workshop at the Center for Open Science (COS). This workshop aimed to promote transparency and openness in evolutionary biology and ecology.

Objectives

Sortee focuses on improving the reliability and transparency of research through cultural and institutional changes. It is open to anyone interested in these disciplines, regardless of experience. The organization is international in scope, with objectives that align with the global scientific community.

Activities

Sortee organizes conferences, maintains online resources, and encourages community involvement through committees. It became a registered not-for-profit organization in February 2022 and relies on membership fees and volunteers for its operations.

Membership and Engagement

Sortee has experienced rapid growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a diverse membership base including students and early-career researchers. The organization encourages active engagement through various committees, which help develop valuable skills for members.

Governance

Sortee operates with a governance structure that supports its mission to advance open science practices. It is managed by an Executive Committee responsible for laying foundational policies and procedures for the organization's future development.

Impact

By providing a platform for researchers to collaborate and share ideas, Sortee contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance research quality and reliability within the ecological and evolutionary biology communities.