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. 

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.



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.


Responsibilities of Each Lab Role and Training Provided


Our team is made up of researchers in different roles, each contributing in unique ways. The table below outlines typical responsibilities for each role, as well as what lab members can expect from others. This is intended as a guide, not a limitation — roles can be flexible, and there will always be exceptions. For example, a project may sometimes be collaborative rather than independent, or an undergraduate might contribute to a paper. If you have any questions or concerns about these expectations, please speak to Vil. Key:

  • PI - Principal Investigator
  • PD - Postdoctoral Research Fellow (can also be a "senior postdoc")
  • PhD - PhD Student
  • UG - Undergraduate
  • MA - Master's Student
  • RA - Laboratory Technician or Research Assistant

Undergraduate Students and Master's Students


We hope that you are just as excited to read this handbook as we are to write it. In the following contents of this book, you will find much detail about the inner workings of a lab. Some of the information may or may not apply to you, if you are unclear, please ask someone.
Undergraduates and Summer students, please note that you are not to be left unsupervised in the lab at any time. If there is no one in the lab when there ought to be, please notify someone immediately via email/message. Under no circumstances are you to use the confocal microscope without someone senior present in the lab or aware of you using it.
Master's students, you do not require constant supervision, but please ensure that you are thoroughly confident in using all the relevant appliances before you embark on a solo venture into the lab.
If you are ever unsure of how to do something or have a question about anything, please feel free to ask any other member of the lab for help. Do not struggle silently!


Meetings in the Lab


Regular meetings are a core part of how we share progress, exchange ideas, and support one another. Our lab participates in both internal and joint meetings with our colleagues. This section outlines the frequency, format, and expectations for each meeting type.

General Guidelines for All Meetings

  • Everyone is expected to participate actively and respectfully.
  • Roles such as note taker may rotate between members where relevant.
  • Presentations, slides and relevant documents should be stored in the shared drive for future reference.
  • Questions, clarifications and constructive feedback are always encouraged.
  • Please don't use your phone during the meeting or engage in private conversations.
  • Lab meetings can seem intimidating, but they are designed to give you critical and constructive feedback. Be open to different viewpoints and receiving feedback witht eh same openness and respect you'd expect when giving it. For new lab members especially, we encourage you to force yourself to ask at least a couple of questions each meeting to get into the swing of things.

  1. Joint Lab Meetings (Amoyel, Poole and Fernandes Labs)
    When: Wednesdays, 10:00-12:00 (every week)
    Format:


    • One presenter each week.
    • Presenters will typically present at least once per term (roughly every 3-4 months).
    • Presenters should focus on recent work, ongoing challenges, and plans - with enough context for everyone in the joint meeting to follow.
    • Aim for clarity, opportunities for feedback, and highlighting areas where input would be valuable.
    • Lab meeting slides should be uploaded to the shared folder following the meeting.
    • Feedback and experimental suggestions from the meeting should be logged by the presenter in their shared notebook with their PI.

  2. Journal Clubs
    When: Every other Monday, 10:00-12:00 (every week)
    Format:

    • One presenter selects a relevant paper.
    • The paper must be circulated to all participants at least one week in advance.
    • The presentation should summarise the key findings, methods, and relevance to our work, and encourage discussion on implications or techniques.

  3. Coffee Catch-ups
    When: Every other Monday, 10:00-12:00 (every week)
    Format:

    • Informal round-table updates from everyone in the lab.
    • Each member briefly shares:
      1. What they're currently working on.
      2. Any issues or challenges they're facing.
    • The purpose here is to surface problems early, share useful tips, and keep everyone connected.

  4. 1-on-1 Meetings
    When: Weekly or biweekly - no fixed slot.
    Format and Expectations:

    • Meetings are arranged between the lab member and Vil.
    • If you would like to meet, please reach out directly; otherwise, Vil will contact you to ensure you get regular feedback. If you would like to have scheduled repeated meetings at a set time, please speak to your PI, who will be happy to arrange this.
    • Use these meetings to:
      • Review recent data.
      • Troubleshoot experiments.
      • Discuss plans, ideas, and career development.
    • Expectations:
      • Come prepared. If you want to go over data, have the files ready.
      • Take notes.
      • After the meeting, write a short bullet-point summary of the key points and agreed actions to maintain a shared record in the shared notebook between you and Vil.