Rights and Responsibilities

As a member of iHuman Lab, you have certain rights—and you also have important responsibilities. Here’s the rundown:

Your Rights as a Lab Member

  1. You’re entitled to a safe and respectful work environment—no harassment, abuse, violence, or discrimination.
  2. You’re entitled to be supported and respected by all lab members.
  3. You’re entitled to freely share your scientific ideas and offer constructive feedback.
  4. You’re entitled to receive appropriate credit (authorship, acknowledgments, recommendations) for your contributions.

Your Responsibilities as a Lab Member

  1. Promote a safe environment: Avoid any behavior that could harm, harass, or discriminate against others.
  2. Support and respect everyone, including yourself.
  3. Share your ideas and feedback openly with fellow lab members.
  4. Document your contributions clearly: Whether it’s via GitHub, reports, or updates on Microsoft Teams, make sure your work is tracked.
  5. Communicate openly: Address concerns directly with those involved, and always be clear with others about your work.
  6. Work with integrity: Commit to high scientific standards in everything you do.
  7. Use resources responsibly: Whether it’s time, equipment, or funding, make sure you’re being sustainable and considerate.
  8. Keep your space clean: A tidy lab is a happy lab—clean up after yourself and maintain shared areas too!
Task

Read this letter on recognizing unhealthy lab dynamics and setting boundaries.

Big Picture

  • Do work you’re proud of—and work that others will care about.
  • Double-check your work: Good science requires a little obsession with detail.
  • Support your labmates: We’re a team, and teamwork makes the dream work.
  • Be independent when you can: But never hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
  • Share your knowledge: Mentorship comes in many forms.
  • Respect diversity: Honor each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and beliefs.
  • Take care of yourself: Science is a marathon. Take time off when needed, and respect others’ personal time.
  • Communicate openly: Be transparent and respectful in all interactions.
  • Talk to Hemanth if you have an unresolved issue with a lab member.

Small Picture

  • Stay home if you’re sick: Get well and don’t risk spreading it.
  • Notify if you’re out: Let the lab manager or Hemanth know if you’re sick or on vacation. Update the lab calendar and your Microsoft Teams status.
  • No lab on staff holidays: Unless you’re on a paid contract during university breaks.
  • Lock up: Always lock the lab doors if you’re the last one to leave.
  • Keep it tidy: Clean up food messes, take dirty dishes home, and keep common areas clutter-free.
  • Dress code: Casual is fine, but look semi-professional when interacting with participants or presenting.
  • Arrive early: Aim to be in the lab 15 minutes before your experiments to greet participants.

Recourse

If you feel your rights have been violated—or if you see others’ rights being compromised—it’s your duty to report it to a senior staff member (Hemanth, Department Chair, or even Title IX coordinator). Don’t stay silent—speak up and help maintain a healthy, respectful environment.