Lab Ethics and Philosophy - RElab

Our lab is dedicated to making lasting contributions to the field of phyllosphere microbiology, focusing on interactions between bacteria, plants and herbivores and their ecology. To achieve this, we are committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment where each lab member plays a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of current knowledge. 

General Lab Values

• Hypothesis-driven research: Experiments should be designed to test clear, well-defined hypotheses.

• Effective communication of our work: Our lab is committed to sharing our research with the scientific community and the public, as it is our responsibility to ensure our findings reach and benefit others.

• Mentorship: Senior lab members play an essential role in guiding junior members, helping them develop into skilled scientists. Junior lab members are teachers too. 

• Inclusiveness: We value diversity of all kinds and thrive to minimize our prejudices.

• Supportive, friendly atmosphere: Encourages an open, communicative learning atmosphere whereby questions are encouraged and will be responded to in a constructive fashion.

Roles and Expectations

Expectations of all Lab Members

• Mutual Support: All lab members are expected to foster an environment of support and encouragement. Help your colleagues when needed and be receptive to assistance when offered.

• Teamwork: Collaboration is at the heart of our lab’s success. Work together towards common goals, share knowledge, and contribute to the team’s collective progress.

• Care for yourself: Academia fosters toxic behavior that glorifies long work hours - Every lab member is expected to try and find their personal healthy balance between work and personal life. Sometimes it is unavoidable to work long hours - make sure to compensate on other days. 

• Caring for Each Other: We prioritize a culture of care and well-being. Be mindful of your peers' well-being, both personally and professionally. Offer help when you notice someone struggling and encourage open dialogue about work-life balance.

• Respect and Kindness: Treat everyone with respect. Kindness in everyday interactions fosters a positive and productive atmosphere.

• Direct and Open Communication: Honest and transparent communication is essential. Address any issues directly and constructively. Speak openly about your needs, challenges, and successes, and always be receptive to feedback.

• Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in conducting research, respecting lab protocols, and interacting with colleagues.

• Documentation: Similarly to integrity, document your protocols and findings to a level of detail that allow reproduction and future generations of lab members to understand the results.

• Recognition of Contributions: Always give credit where it’s due. Recognize the assistance and contributions of others in your work, whether in publications, theses proofreading or daily collaborations.

• Home away from home: Members of the group are recruited from all over the world and may lack a local social network. Current group members are expected to contribute to build a social environment that is a home away from home. Organize or contribute to game nights, sport outings, xmas parties, summer BBQs etc.

• Language: We are an international lab that has agreed to speak English as a common language. If internationals are around the table, we switch to English to include them in our interactions. Embrace your accents.

• Say sorry: Sometimes, dumb and or offensive things are being said. Even if they are meant as a joke - apologize if you may have hurt feelings.

• Extra note: Regarding letters of support and feedback on written work/presentations/posters. Consider the work burden of others and share your requests or work early enough for Mitja/Postdocs/PhD candidates to be able to give meaningful feedback. Two weeks ahead of a deadline is a good rule of thumb.

Head of Lab (Mitja)

Mitja drives the general research direction of the lab. He formulates research questions and goals, secures funding and provides resources, he is mostly responsible to "do the admin and bureaucracy". Mitja will foster a positive lab culture (he is the lab's biggest fanboy). Mitja's guidance ensures that projects are grounded in sound scientific principles and that all members are supported in their professional growth.

• Responsibilities: Provides overall direction, supervision, mentoring, formulating research strategies, feedback on project progression, ensures lab funding, and supports career development. Mitja is also responsible for presenting the lab nationally and internationally at scientific meetings and to disseminate the results of the lab by publishing them in peer-reviewed international journals.

Postdoctoral Researchers and PhD candidates

Postdocs and PhD candidates are the left and right brain hemisphere of the lab and bring specialized expertise to the lab, either due to prior exposure or by building this expertise as they go. They are a bridge between the professor and students and provide mentoring and collaborations while pushing forward the lab’s key research questions. 

• Responsibilities: Postdocs and PhD candidates lead independent research projects, they are expected to supervise junior lab members, postdocs are expected to help with securing funding. Next to Mitja, Postdocs and PhD candidates will be the main drivers of dissemination of new results by presenting at meetings, seminars and by writing paper drafts.

Technicians

Technicians are the backbone of the lab, ensuring that it functions smoothly. Without their organization and technical support, research productivity would be compromised. They ensure protocols are followed, equipment is functional, and materials are available for experiments.

• Responsibilities: Manage daily lab operations, maintain equipment, assist in experiments, and ensure the lab runs efficiently.

Thesis students

Masters and bachelor students provide fresh energy and assist with important components of larger projects. Their contributions, while often at a learning stage, add valuable data, and they play a critical role in lab productivity through projects that align with the lab's current research and day-to-day tasks. Their contributions will be considered for publications and co-authorship where appropriate.

• Responsibilities: Contribute to ongoing projects, learn research techniques, and participate in lab discussions.

Student Helpers

Student helpers play a vital role in maintaining the efficiency of the lab by taking on essential, routine tasks. Their contributions allow other members to focus on more complex research activities, ensuring smooth lab operations.

• Responsibilities: Provide general support, assist with routine lab tasks, and aid in experiments.