The Friedrich lab is actively committed to fostering and maintaining a supportive, diverse, and inclusive environment. We value every member of our community, regardless of socioeconomic status, physical abilities, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and all other identities. In this lab, we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We aim to cultivate a healthy working environment. The Code of Conduct and statements of lab values below explain how we will put this aim into practice. We acknowledge that cultivating an open mind and a supportive environment is a process and not a destination—no individual or organization is ever “done” with this process. We aim to hold ourselves accountable to ensure we are contributing to sustainable change.
Values + Code of Conduct
We strive to create a supportive environment that values all members of our lab and the broader community. We will do our best work when each member of the group feels supported and valued. To foster a supportive environment we have collectively developed the following statements of values and our code of conduct. Special thanks to the Poisot Lab for inspiring this.
- We are excited about science as a way of learning about the world and as a way of helping to improve people’s lives. We value hard work, creativity, persistence, and determination. We also value teamwork, compassion, honesty, and humility.
- To make new discoveries, we need to understand the limits of our current knowledge. We will not be afraid to say we don’t know something. We will be open to arguments and data that might change our minds.
- Be kind to yourself. Science is hard. Be mindful of your limits, and do not exhaust yourself. Ask for help when you need it. Offer help if you feel someone might be struggling.
- There is no shame in having issues with mental health and distress. You are not alone. Personal and institutional support will be provided.
- The Friedrich lab is a collaborative and inclusive environment. Tom is not the only person who may generate new ideas. We are all better when we all contribute! Give everyone a chance to talk and an opportunity to participate.
- All communication—online and in person—should be appropriate for a professional audience that includes people of many different backgrounds. Sexual or discriminatory language and imagery are not appropriate at any time.
- Treat everyone with respect and courtesy. Any form of harassment or sexist, racist, or exclusionary “jokes” will not be tolerated.
- Be aware of microaggressions. Your actions can be hurtful to others or contribute to a negative environment even if you had no intent of harm. Listen and be open to receiving feedback. Offer a genuine apology. Commit to learning and doing better.
Open Science
We are committed to values of open science, which aids the scientific community, promotes rigor and reproducibility, and helps maximize the value of publicly funded science to the citizens who make our work possible.
- Our research is publicly funded by federal grants. We believe that information and products generated by research conducted using public funds should be publicly available to the greatest extent possible.
- Open sharing of protocols, data, and materials promotes reproducibility in research.
- Real-time sharing of data, especially during public health emergencies such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, improves transparency and accountability in our work.