BPRI Lab Guiding Principles

Biology Integration Institute Research Coordination Network Toolkit Cover Page Submission Date: 7/17/2024 12:43:23 PART 1: Identifying Information Who is uploading this document?: Taniya Koswatta What is the email of the document uploader(s)?: [email protected] What BII is this document from?: BPRI Tool or Activity Title: Lab Guiding Principles Brief description on your tool / activity: Lab Guiding Principles Document categorie(s): Governance and Infrastructure, Mentorship Primary developer(s) of the document: BPRI Who is the current contact person & email for any follow-up questions about the document?: Hojun Song ([email protected]) When was this resource developed or updated?: 2021 Creative Commons License Choice: Yes, we choose the default (CC BY-NC-SA) Document source(s) description: This is our BII's original document, This document draws from other sources, and they are cited within the document., This document is a direct and minor modification of other material but its origin is unknown; we cite the source we modified. Is this document an update of an existing tool within the toolkit?: No PART 2: Context Dependency Is this tool or activity used at all organizations in your BII, or only a subset?: All Is this tool relevant at particular team development stage(s)?: Commitment & Initial Trust, Shared Vision, Clarity of Roles and Responsibilities What organizations comprise your BII?: Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Arizona State University, Washington University in St. Louis, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and USDA ARS. List which subset of your BII's institutions this tool/activity has been used at: PART 3: Usage Notes Why did your group decide on this approach or method?: N/A Is there a particular group size this tool or activity is geared towards?: N/A Is there a particular training stage (e.g. undergraduate, graduate, ECRs broadly, faculty…) this tool or activity is geared towards?: N/A Estimated time required for applying tool: N/A Is this a tool that is used once, multiple times, or on a recurring regular basis?: On a recurring regular basis Is this tool specific to in-person, hybrid, virtual?: Any What is the required level of resources and expertise level needed to implement this tool or activity?: vary based on the situation Are there any possible challenges in using this tool or activity, based on your team’s experience?: vary based on the situation Do you have any assessment of the effectiveness of this tool?: we have a climate survey for checking the diversity aspect Other usage notes: Lab Guiding Principles Website link: https://behavioralplasticity.org/index.php/lab-guiding-principles/ Example for BPRI Members The BPRI seeks integration through collaboration. The BPRI recognizes that the scientific and societal impacts of this approach increase when people of different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities come together to work towards shared goals and the common good. Rich diversity across our intellectual disciplines will promote creativity and collaboration that can only be accomplished through a wide breadth of perspectives. To that end, the following principles and values guide our lab community: 1. Interdisciplinarity • We leverage the theoretical and conceptual frameworks, methodologies, and tools of a variety of disciplinary backgrounds; we are sharpened by the rigor of each discipline. • We seek a holistic approach to our science, relying on our diverse perspectives and voices. 2. Empowerment and Agency • Innovation demands that each member be willing to contribute new perspectives to our conversations and scientific approaches; we strive for an environment where everyone believes that their voice is valued. • We recognize that perceived and real power differs considerably among different groups (e.g., historically marginalized, or oppressed peoples); we seek to create agency among and empower all members. 3. Mutual Concern and Respect • The physical, mental, and emotional health of members is of utmost importance; we recognize that a supportive and healthy climate is everyone’s responsibility. • Bystander intervention is a moral and ethical obligation when others are experiencing aggression, harassment, or other dangerous behaviors. 4. Diversity and Inclusion • A diverse and inclusive environment is central to our philosophy and our success. We demand a safe space for individuals from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives. • We seek to make all members feel welcome in our environment regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, socioeconomic background, education level, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability level, religion, veteran status, nationality, and intellectual perspective, among others. To ensure that we are making progress toward the guiding principles above, we commit to the following goals or outcomes, for example: • Regularly scheduled team meetings to brainstorm lab methods and projects. • Individual meetings with the lab mentor(s) and mentees. • Creating communication and reporting protocols for any lab member who believes they are experiencing aggression or harassment. • Scheduling team-building activities for all members. • Scheduling additional trainings (e.g., bystander intervention training, DEI training, mentorship training). • Celebrating diverse backgrounds and cultures through observance of important holidays from member cultures (e.g., Diwali, Lunar New Year, Kwanzaa, Rosh Hashanah, Día de Los Muertos, Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan).