Scientific research in porous media spans a broad spectrum of experimental investigations and modeling efforts, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. This presentation aims to highlight best practices that can enhance the rigor, reproducibility, and impact of research in this interdisciplinary field. There are some aspects that are common to both experimental and computational studies. An important example is planning of the research that includes literature review and writing of a review paper, defining objectives, and identifying main ingredients of the research. On the experimental side, we will discuss key principles for designing robust experiments, ensuring measurement accuracy, and maintaining transparency in data handling and reporting. For modeling, we will outline strategies for model development, validation, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty quantification, with emphasis on bridging scales and integrating with experimental data. The importance of thorough documentation, open data practices, and reproducible workflows will also be addressed. On the computational side, the best practices for using a commercial modeling package or writing your own code are discussed. Drawing on examples from various subfields of porous media science, this presentation offers practical guidelines and critical reflections to support early-career and seasoned researchers alike in conducting high-quality, credible, and impactful research.
