Exploring Potential Challenges of Oil Spill Research

Introducing the Next Generation Oil Spill Researchers Initiative
Fire on an oil platform in the open sea at night. Source: Shutterstock.

Date: Thursday, December 17, 2026
Time: 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. CT / 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET

Register for Session 4

Webinar Description

This session will explore the ethical, logistical, and legal challenges researchers may encounter when conducting oil spill research. Speakers will discuss the complexities of rapidly evolving spill conditions, barriers to site and data access, ethical considerations when working with affected communities, and the legal and institutional dynamics that can shape research efforts. The discussion will also examine the operational realities of oil spill response and recovery, including challenges related to research coordination, site access, safety, and collaboration across sectors. Drawing on lessons learned from major offshore oil spills, speakers will share practical insights for conducting rigorous, community-informed, and ethically grounded research in post-spill environments. Together, the panel will highlight the importance of preparedness, coordination, and researcher well-being in supporting effective oil spill research. The session will conclude with time for Q&A and discussion.

This webinar will be recorded and posted on the Natural Hazards Center website after the event. You can learn more about the Next Generation Oil Spill Researchers community of practice here. Please remember to sign up for future webinars and free resources here.

Speakers

Mandy Joye, University of Georgia.

Tom Coolbaugh, ExxonMobil Corporation, former. Tom Coolbaugh served as a technology and advocacy advisor for ExxonMobil for 32.5 years. After retiring in 2020, he worked as a technology subject matter expert at Applied Research Associates and managed the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s Ohmsett wave tank facility. His work focuses on global efforts to increase understanding of oil spill response technologies. He participated in the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s committees for “Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment” and “The Evaluation of the Use of Chemical Dispersants in Oil Spill Response.” Coolbaugh holds a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, a master’s degree from New York University, and a PhD from Caltech.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify the ethical, logistical, and legal challenges that can arise when conducting oil spill research.
  • Understand how rapidly evolving spill conditions, site access restrictions, and institutional dynamics can shape research efforts.
  • Examine practical considerations related to researcher safety, coordination, and collaboration across sectors in post-spill environments.
  • Explore promising practices for conducting community-informed and ethically grounded oil spill research.

Prepare Ahead

Additional Suggested Readings and Resources

The Next Generation Oil Spill Researchers Community of Practice is funded by the Gulf Research Program at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (Award #SCON-10001452). Opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations produced through this initiative are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Gulf Research Program or Natural Hazards Center.