SAFE Labs

IRIBHMComputationalLabs_2026:

• An annual lab feedback
  • Takes place during our yearly lab retreat at the end of the year, in the Fall. This dedicated time is used to reflect on and discuss major topics impacting the lab.

OttLab_2025:

We conduct annual lab-wide feedback at our retreat. We discuss what is working well and what needs improvement and set up working groups to address challenges we can improve in the lab.

ReinhardLab_2025:

We currently do not hold annual lab-wide feedback sessions. Lab members will be regularly asked if this format is deemed useful. If yes, it’ll be implemented in the future.

INSIGHTLab_2026:

The first lab meeting of the academic year devotes time to lab-wide feedback sessions.

CoenLab_2025:

Annual lab-wide feedback takes place at the Lab Retreat. As the size of the lab changes, and we learn from experience at past retreats, the exact method of collecting feedback and reporting the result will evolve with time. However, in each case, there will we a post-feedback summary recorded for posterity so that any repeating themes or recurring issues can be transparently highlighted. Pip will also record any changes that he intends to implement, along with any suggestions that he will not (or only partially) implement, along with the reasoning behind these decisions.

These records can be found below:

AeryJonesLab_2026:

• Every January, I give a “state of the lab” talk to be transparent about how and why I make decisions and to give a primer on managing a lab. In this talk, I’ll share the past and future years’ strategies for spending, grants, hiring, publishing, and other activities. We’ll celebrate our lab’s accomplishments and set our sights on the next chapter.
• Every December, we assess the state of the lab through an anonymous culture survey to be completed by every lab member. This is an opportunity for you to give me feedback and to shape the lab culture. I present the results, solicit ideas for improvement next year, and follow-up on what suggestions are implemented and by whom.

CognAcLab_2026:

One lab member will have the chore of coordinating mentorship plans and feedback for research assistants working in the lab. As part of this lab chore, a survey should be administered to all RAs once/semester and a review of the cumulative results of the survey should be discussed at one lab meeting each year.

HollandGroup_2026:

Feedback goes in the other direction too: each student fills out an annual survey, and the aggregated results give me feedback. The goal of this anonymous survey is to empower my students to help me improve the group policies and to correct my own behavior. We also have “safety moments” and “diversity moments” at the beginning of all group meetings, where people can suggest improvements in how the lab works.

KampmannLab_2026:

This statement of our mission and values is a living document. At our annual retreats, we will review and update the statement as a community, and discuss concrete ways in which we can meet our goals and live up to our values.

MsEELab_2026:

At the start of every academic term, MsEE Lab holds a “State of the Lab” meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to assess how the lab’s actions align with its goals and how its goals align with its guiding principles, and to adjust actions and/or goals accordingly.

In preparation for this meeting, Pablo discusses the state of each research project with all lab members involved. The lab members involved in a paper then create one slide summarizing its status. Additionally, members of the lab fill out an online survey providing feedback on the lab’s management and Pablo’s mentorship.

A number of things happen during the meeting itself:

1. Pablo presents the lab’s guiding principles, five-year goals, and general one-year goals (~5 min).
2. Lab members present a quick overview of research projects ongoing in the lab with their goals for the upcoming year. Plans for changes in current projects or potential new lines of work are presented (~10 min).
3. Pablo presents the lab’s current funding status, expenses, and potential changes in personnel for the upcoming term (~5 min). Feedback received in the survey that pertains to this topic is included.
4. The lab discusses alignment between guiding principles, goals, projects, funding, and other activities (~15 min).
5. Pablo reviews any action items from the previous State of the Lab meeting regarding lab management and mentorship practices, and presents the aggregated feedback received in the survey (~10 min).
6. The lab discusses potential improvements on lab management and mentorship practices, including changes to the MsEE Lab Handbook, and defines action items to be pursued next (~15 min).

Notes and results of this meeting are communicated in writing to all lab members by Pablo.

NeuroAICenter-UOregon_2026:

Just like science, our group is also a work in progress, and we continuously strive to improve our community and activities via continuous feedback between members. PIs at the NeuroAI Center will send students and postdocs out for dinner once a year to discuss and provide feedback on lab practices and culture. This feedback will be the basis for a group meeting discussion about lab practices and culture. The PIs will be responsible for incorporating this feedback into our lab practices and philosophy.

PoldrackLab_2026:

In order to ensure that the environment remains welcoming and productive for everyone, we will conduct a yearly survey of lab members regarding the lab environment (link to example). This survey will be completed at the end of the Spring Quarter (in June).