In the Plant-Soil Ecology group, we do ground-breaking research on the role of plants, soils, and their interactions in ecosystem functioning that contributes to the sustainable management of ecosystems, climate mitigation and adaptation, and ecosystem restoration and conservation. We do this research with responsibility and integrity. We believe that the best research is done in an inclusive environment that is built on respect and support, and that values every individual. The following guidelines should help us to behave in a way that fosters a healthy, happy, and productive lab environment.
Respect and Support
Every group member, whether undergrad student or professor, deserves respectful behaviour. Part of this is showing interest in other people’s results and activities, and prioritising group meetings/ seminars. No project is more important than others. We are all doing the best science we can, and we need to coordinate the use of equipment and people power to make sure that everyone can continue to do their best science. We formulate feedback and criticism politely and constructively.
In a supportive lab, we learn from each other’s experience and knowledge. We offer our help when we see that somebody is struggling or has a big experiment ahead. However, this should not go only one way but should be balanced out in the long run. Of course, we all have times where we are more in need of help and times where we feel more able to offer help.
We celebrate each other’s successes, and we recognise that failures are normal and part of the process.
Communication
It is our aim to create an atmosphere of open discussions and critical thinking, where everyone’s input is valued. Clear and timely communication is central to the functioning of the group. But we need to be aware that English is not everyone’s first language, and that people differ in their communication styles. Some people are happy/ comfortable taking space and communicating their feelings, while others need to be given space or asked how they are doing. We try to be aware of this and offer space to people who need this, while also protecting our own boundaries. If people need additional support, we refer them to the appropriate people or services.
Group members are expected to (in consultation with project leaders or supervisors) determine their own schedule and adhere to deadlines, as well as to maintain communication channels. If you need feedback on a poster, abstract, or manuscript (please don’t submit anything before your supervisor has seen it and OK’d submission), ask people well in advance to prevent them working in evenings or weekends!
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
We consciously build a group with diverse personalities, skills, perspectives, experience, and backgrounds. Not everyone has to excel at everything! We appreciate that everyone is different and that everyone has different needs, and we value everyone’s personality. Every person in the group is treated equally regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, and physical abilities. To foster a diverse and inclusive environment, any kind of exclusive or discriminating behaviour will be addressed and is not tolerated. We make it a priority that everyone feels welcome and appreciated.
Responsibility and integrity
We perform our research with responsibility and integrity. Punctuality, respect for safety guidelines, reachability, and communication of work progress are important so that we can build trust in our group. We are fully transparent with our methods, data, code, and results, even if they turn out differently than expected. We give credit where credit is due, we include collaborators in writing, analysing and interpreting our results, and we share information, protocols, experience and knowledge. There is no place for gatekeeping. We try to be aware of our biases, blind spots, and privileges. Our research doesn’t affect the integrity of natural ecosystems beyond our experimental plots or units, and we adhere to all legislation on taking and transporting samples. We do not perform helicopter research but include local collaborators from the start in the design, analysis, and interpretation of our projects.
Flexibility and free time
We are aware that not everybody has the same working rhythm. Members of our lab are free to determine their own working schedule as long as it does not interfere with communication and collaboration in our group. Also, it is common in our field that workloads are not distributed evenly and that there will be times where longer or additional days are necessary. Of course, these working hours should be compensated for at another time! Although flexibility is valued, it is important to leave enough time to relax and not think about work. Therefore evenings, weekends and holidays are respected!
Guidance and setting an example
We follow these guidelines and set an example for others in doing so. Every group member deserves support to reach their goals for the future. Group members more ahead in their career are willing to advise group members in earlier career stages. We can expect career guidance and opportunities for network building from our group leader and our institute.
We are conscious about who we collaborate with, and where possible include people from underrepresented groups. We promote the visibility and inclusion of scholars from underrepresented backgrounds or countries, and those who feel comfortable doing so, promote the importance of diversity and inclusivity to the outside world.
These guidelines were inspired by the Duffy Lab Guidelines and are openly licenced via CC-BY 4.0
These guidelines are discussed and revised on a regular basis
Plant-soil Ecology 