MPILAB Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

The MPILAB Code of Conduct outlines the ethical, professional, and collegial standards expected of all members of the research group. This includes faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, visiting researchers, and collaborators. This code aligns with the NSERC and Tri-Agency guidelines to promote integrity, inclusivity, and responsible research practices.

2. Core Principles

All members of MPILAB are expected to uphold the following core principles:

• Integrity: Conduct research honestly, accurately, and transparently.

• Respect: Treat all members of the lab and wider community with respect, fairness, and dignity.

• Accountability: Take responsibility for the validity of your research and your professional conduct.

• Stewardship: Use resources responsibly, including funding, equipment, and data.

3. Research Integrity

Members of MPILAB must comply with the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research, which includes:

• Proper attribution and citation of ideas, methods, data, and results.

• Avoidance of research misconduct, including but not limited to:

  • Fabrication or falsification of data

  • Plagiarism

  • Redundant or duplicate publication

  • Misrepresentation of credentials or contributions

• Responsible data management, including:

  • Secure storage and backup of research data

  • Compliance with privacy and confidentiality agreements

  • Sharing data and results ethically and in accordance with funding requirements

4. Supervision and Mentorship

• Supervisors must provide guidance, training, and feedback in a timely and constructive manner.

• Students and trainees are expected to actively engage with their research, seek clarification when needed, and respond professionally to feedback.

• All members should contribute to a positive, inclusive, and supportive research culture.

5. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

MPILAB is committed to fostering a research environment that reflects the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, as articulated by Canada's Tri-Agency research bodies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC).

We recognize that diverse perspectives and experiences are fundamental to excellence in research and innovation. We are dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment where all individuals—regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other protected characteristic—are treated with dignity and have equitable access to opportunities.

To this end, MPILAB adopts the following guiding principles:

• Equity means recognizing that individuals have different needs and may face systemic barriers, and taking proactive measures to remove these barriers and allocate resources fairly to ensure everyone can succeed.

• Diversity refers to the presence of a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and identities within our group, and we actively seek to include individuals from underrepresented or historically excluded communities in science and engineering.

• Inclusion involves creating an environment where all members feel welcome, respected, supported, and empowered to contribute fully and authentically.

We are committed to:

1. Embedding EDI considerations in all aspects of our research practices, including recruitment, team composition, mentorship, collaboration, and dissemination of research.

2. Identifying and addressing systemic barriers that affect the full participation and advancement of equity-deserving groups in STEM fields.

3. Engaging in ongoing education about unconscious bias, inclusive practices, and cultural competency.

4. Fostering accountability by regularly reflecting on our progress and welcoming feedback from group members and collaborators.

5. Upholding a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination, harassment, bullying, or exclusionary behavior in any form.

As a group operating within the Canadian research ecosystem, we affirm our shared responsibility to uphold the commitment to EDI and to support the advancement of a more just, inclusive research culture.

6. Collaboration and Authorship

• Collaborations should be transparent and based on mutual respect.

• Authorship must reflect significant intellectual contributions, in line with disciplinary standards and the Tri-Agency guidelines.

• All authors must approve the final version of publications and be able to defend their contributions.

7. Conflict of Interest

• Disclose any real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest, including personal, financial, or professional relationships that could affect objectivity.

• Avoid situations where interests could compromise or appear to compromise integrity or impartiality.

8. Lab Culture and Professional Conduct

• Maintain professionalism in all interactions, including meetings, conferences, and correspondence.

• Respect lab schedules, safety procedures, shared equipment, and data handling protocols.

• Participate actively in lab meetings and contribute to a culture of mutual learning and improvement.

9. Reporting and Resolution

Violations of this code should be reported confidentially to the Principal Investigator or, if necessary, to the institution’s Office of Research Integrity or Human Resources department. Retaliation against individuals who report in good faith is strictly prohibited.

10. Acknowledgement

All members must read and acknowledge this Code of Conduct before beginning research in MPILAB. Continued membership implies ongoing agreement with these principles.