Chapter 3 Code of Conduct and Scientific Ethics
3.1 Essential Policies
Larkin University’s core values include, but aren’t limited, to 1) an inclusive learning community, 2) acceptance and embracement of diverse cultures and perspectives, 3) civility, 4) integrity, and 5) trustworthiness. All lab members are expected to abide by and practice these values, in and out of the RIPLRT.
The RIPLRT is committed to ensuring a safe, friendly, and accepting environment. We will not tolerate any verbal or physical harassment or discrimination.
Safety is always first: all safety guidelines as they pertain to Larkin University, and those listed in this lab manual, will be strictly implemented by all RIPLRT members.
3.2 Dress Code
Avoid at all cost going to lab in shorts, sleeve-less shirts, with opened shoes, and without the lab coat. If you have long hair, make sure to put up your hair while you are in the lab. Incorrect dress code will lead to be being asked to leave the lab and return only when proper dress code is implemented.
3.3 Allergies or any Health Issue
If you are allergic to something, please make sure to inform this to the Principal Investigator ( Dr. Rivera-Mariani) or the Lab Manager of the RIPLRT. If you are experiencing any health situation, also inform Dr. Rivera-Mariani about it. Your health is first!
3.4 Taking Photos and Videos
The privacy of all lab members must be respected at all times. Taking photos or videos of other lab members is only allowed once consent has been obtained from the other party prior to the picture or video being taken. Before imagery is posted on Social Media or any other forum, it must be approved by the Principal Investigator (Dr. Rivera-Mariani) of the RIPLRT. At no point should photos or videos be taken of human volunteers contributing to our projects: that would be a violation of strict privacy and Institutional Review Board guidelines (see below section 3.5 - Scientific Integrity). Note that serious consequences could result for not following this privacy guidelines.
3.5 Scientific Integrity
The lab, and Larkin University, have a great appreciation for scientific achievements and support a passion for innovation and curiosity; however, there is no spaces within the RIPLRT for scientific research misconduct. All members must read the Academic Dishonesty Policy in the Student Handbook (https://www.ularkin.org/wp-content/uploads/theme-setting-uploads/COBS-Student-Handbook.pdf) and understand that plagiarism, fabrication, and falsification will not be tolerated.
All data that results from experiments performed in the lab must be reproducible and is an expectation of all projects. In order to ensure all experiments are reproducible, everyone must accurately document all of their steps in their instance of ELabJournal (for waged-RIPLRT members) or RSpace (for graduate research assistants, students and interns).
All lab members must abide by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols associated with each project involving human subjects. If you have been assigned to work in a project involving human subjects, make sure Dr. Rivera-Mariani has added you to the corresponding approved IRB protocol, otherwise you cannot run experiments involving human subjects (including tissues, raw data, etc.), have access to data, or be in any way involved with projects in which human are involved. In order for you to be included in an IRB protocol, you must complete the following trainings:
- Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne Pathogens (offered by the National Institute of Health)
- CITI Program Training Modules in:
- Biomedical Research (Basic)
- Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research
- Biomedical Data or Specimens (Basic)
- Conflicts of Interest
- Information Privacy for Researchers
Note: the training modules in the CITI program are free for the Larkin University community (thanks to the efforts of the founding library director Dr. Sharon Argov).