Welcome!
Whether you are a new staff member/student or just someone wishing to refresh their memory on the updated proceedings of the 514 Rockefeller Labs, you will find something of interest in this brand-new edition of the Lab Handbook.

Lab Policies

Inclusion and Diversity

In our lab, diversity is not an add-on or an exception — it’s part of who we are. We aim to create an environment where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging, valued for their contributions and perspectives, and able to do their best science without feeling the need to fit into a mould. Differences in culture, background, and experience are not just respected but welcomed as part of a shared purpose.

This does not mean we take diversity and inclusion lightly. We actively discuss adjustments, flexible working arrangements, and other needs during onboarding, and revisit them by default at probationary meetings and annual appraisals. We also welcome staff and students to raise these topics at any time, knowing they will be taken seriously and handled with care. By combining openness, respect, and curiosity with practical support, we aim to build something bigger than any one of us could achieve alone.

Code of Conduct

Our lab culture is founded on mutual respect, accountability and a shared drive to enjoy the process of uncovering the secrets of biology. We expect everyone to contribute to an environment where people feel heard, valued, and supported. This means showing up prepared, engaging thoughtfully with others’ work, being open to different viewpoints and receiving feedback with the same openness and respect you’d expect when giving it. We do not tolerate discrimination or harmful behaviour of any kind. Every lab member plays a role in shaping a space where it’s safe to speak up, ask questions and offer feedback.

The way we work is guided by self-motivation, curiosity and a shared drive to have fun discovering the secrets of biology. We want people to feel excited about what they are working on and confident in taking initiative. We are here to support, guide, and help clear the path when needed, but I also trust everyone to take ownership of their work, challenge themselves and grow into their strengths.

See here for:

UCL's policies and regulation relating to conduct and behaviour for students

UCL's Code of Research Conduct

Lab Language

The working language of the lab is English. All professional communication — both oral and written — must be in English. This includes presentations, discussions in lab meetings, scientific output and email correspondence. Lab members are welcome to use AI to proofread and refine written work; however, fully AI-generated text is not acceptable and must not be presented as your own. Outside of professional meetings, the lab strives for inclusive communication: people should adopt the common language that allows everyone present to participate.

Sustainability

Our lab is committed to minimising waste and energy use, recognising our responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of our research. We focus on four key areas: reducing waste and recycling, economical use of equipment, and sustainable travel. We currently hold a Gold certification with LEAF especially thanks to efforts from Inês Do Lago E Baldaia and Ben Jackson, but critically also from everyone’s participation and engagement. Note that LEAF certification is mandatory for Wellcome funding applications and renewals. Please see more details under General Lab Procedures for more info on how we minimise our environmental impact in the lab.

Authorship

Authorship can sometimes be ambiguous, but our general principle is that all significant contributors to a paper are included as authors, with contributions defined broadly according to the CRediT Taxonomy. We don’t believe in authorship gatekeeping or that papers are worth less if there are more authors.

Examples of contributions that typically merit authorship include:

• Developing a new technique or method for the project
• Contributing previously unpublished data or figures
• Substantial involvement in experimental design, data analysis, or interpretation
• Writing or substantially revising the manuscript

Examples of contributions that typically do not merit authorship (but may be acknowledged) include:

• Routine experimental work or technical assistance without substantial intellectual input
• Sharing basic or already-available analysis code without major adaptation
• Proof-reading or minor editorial suggestions

Because the scientific process is unpredictable, authorship will be discussed when a lab member begins or becomes involved in a project, and can be revisited as the work progresses, with the final decision made at the time of writing the manuscript, when everyone’s contributions can be evaluated as a whole. The final decision lies with the PI who will consult with everyone involved and who will strive to be fair and transparent. Whenever possible, we publish a matrix of contributions at the end of each paper to clearly document who did what.

Work-Life Balance, Working Hours, and Mental Health and Well-Being

Working Hours

• There are no strict start and end times, but core on-site hours are 10:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 16:00. These ensure overlapping time for collaboration, meetings, and access to shared equipment.
• Outside core hours, you may arrange your work as best fits your projects and personal circumstances, provided experiments, shared responsibilities, and meetings are covered.
• Conference attendance, training, and outreach activities count as working hours.

Meetings

• Wherever possible, lab meetings, one-to-ones, and training sessions will be scheduled within 10:00-16:00 UK time.

Remote Work

• Regular in-person presence is important for collaboration, mentoring, and maintaining a strong lab community.
• Full-time lab members should aim to be physically present during core working hours.
• During writing or data analysis phases, remote work arrangements can be agreed with the PI.
• Lab meetings and core training sessions should be attended in person unless otherwise agreed.

Vacations and Time Off

• All lab members are encouraged to take their full annual leave entitlement as specified in their employment contract (UCL standard: 41 days including bank holidays and closure days).
• Booking leave: Please book annual leave via myHR with at least 2 weeks' notice.

Cultural and Religious Observances

• In addition to UK public holidays, you may request leave for cultural or religious events important to you. Please plan in consultation with the PI.

Communication Outside Working Hours

• There is no expectation to read or respond to emails, Teams messages or work-related WhatsApp messages outside your working hours.
• Only urgent matters should be communicated by phone/WhatsApp out-of-hours.

Flexible Working

• We recognise that personal commitments (e.g., caring responsibilities, health needs) may require flexible working arrangements.
• Flexible schedules or adjusted on-site exprectations can be discussed and agreed confidentially with the PI.