The SAFE Labs Handbook as a tool for improving lab culture

Area of Science:

• Life Sciences Research
• Scientific Community

Background:

• Growing priority for positive and equitable lab environments.
• Institutions offer training, but limited resources exist for group leaders to improve lab culture.
• Need for practical tools for enhancing research environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the SAFE Labs Handbook, a resource for improving research culture.
• Detail 30 collaboratively developed commitments for life science group leaders.
• Assess researcher perceptions and intended use of these commitments.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative development of 30 commitments by 13 European group leaders.
• Survey of over 200 researchers across various career stages.
• Analysis of commitment importance and reported/intended implementation rates.

Main Results:

• All 30 commitments were rated as significantly important by researchers.
• Low current implementation rates (<25%) for most commitments.
• High willingness (>95%) among group leaders to consider implementing commitments.

Conclusions:

• The SAFE Labs Handbook is a community-driven tool to enhance lab culture.
• Despite low initial uptake, there is strong potential for widespread adoption.
• This handbook can contribute to improving scientific research environments globally.