Running a research group in the next generation: combining sustainable and reproducible research with values-driven leadership

Abstract

In the summer of 2021, we held a community workshop at the International Congress of Arabidopsis Research (ICAR) aimed at early career researchers and focused on values-based lab leadership. Here, we elaborate on ideas emerging from the workshop that we hope will allow current and future group leaders to reflect on and adjust to the rapidly evolving nature of the academic scientific enterprise.

Keywords: Grant writing; inclusion; lab management; leadership; mentorship; reproducibility; research vision; values statement.

Fig. 1.

Developing a vision for a sustainable research program. Developing a research vision is an iterative, cyclical process. Throughout the process, group leaders can establish systems for reproducibility to ensure that sound conclusions are being drawn. At each stage that requires prioritization, group leaders can prioritize using their values. For example, when deciding which possible research project to pursue, a new group leader who strongly values community or teamwork might prioritize seeking funding for a project that involves a citizen science component, while a new group leader who values innovation might prioritize securing funding for a project with a strong potential for technology development. This figure was created with BioRender.com.

Fig. 2.

Establishing a value-based approach to leadership in research. Iterative cycling through identifying values, putting them into action, and determining whether your actions reflect your values can transform a new group leader’s sense of purpose and agency. The steps are: (i) identify your values; (ii) formalize them into postures; (iii) use them to set your priorities; (iv) put them into practice; and, finally, (v) evaluate the outcomes and adjust as needed. Readers are encouraged to search for expanded lists of values to reflect upon (several are available online). This figure was created with BioRender.com.

Fig. 3.

Establishing best practices for reproducibility. New group leaders are ideally positioned to build systems for reproducibility into their research programs. Key opportunities to improve reproducibility exist when sharing research at different levels, such as within the group, between groups or organizations, and with the community. For example, systematic file naming can enhance research sharing within a research group. This figure was created with BioRender.com.