As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen MVO’s collaborations, we have recently revised our Research and Data Policy that outlines what we expect from collaborations with external researchers.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) was established in 1995 following the commencement of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano (SHV) for the principal purpose of monitoring the volcanic activity. In doing so, high-quality data on seismicity, ground deformation, de-gassing, lava extrusion and other general volcanological aspects of the eruptions of SHV is generated. All this data is critical for MVO to provide accurate and reliable advice to Government authorities and the local population for the purposes of mitigating the impacts of and risks associated with activity of the SHV.

In addition to its primary role as a fully functioning volcano observatory, MVO scientific staff are committed to engage in and publish high-quality research to improve our understanding of the SHV and volcanoes worldwide. This includes improving understanding of fundamental volcanic processes, how volcanic hazards impact society and how volcanic risks can be mitigated. The MVO spends vast amounts of time, money and intellectual effort in acquiring, processing and analysing volcanic data, and as such has made substantial contributions towards scientific knowledge.

However, it is not possible for MVO staff to work on and publish all aspects of the data generated. Consequently, while the majority of this substantial body of work has been led by the scientific staff at the Observatory, a significant contribution has also come through collaboration with external researchers. MVO encourages its staff to collaborate with external researchers to work on MVO data. In addition, MVO also welcomes collaborations with external researchers that should be mutually beneficial to both the external researchers and the MVO.

Collaborations between MVO and external researchers are governed by the MVO Research and Data Policy. This document describes the procedures and rules that constitute the MVO Research and Data Policy (“The Policy”) for collaboration between external researchers and MVO staff. The Policy outlines the different categories of scientific worker, partnerships and data, and the responsibilities of the different parties involved in collaborative research. It also includes a protocol for data sharing.

The policy consists of the following documents, all of which are available to download below:

• The Research and Data Policy Document
• A Project Proposal Form
• A Data License Form
• An MoU Template
• A Sample Information Sheet

All inquiries regarding MVO’s Research and Data Policy or collaboration with MVO should be directed to the MVO Director, Dr Graham Ryan.