Principles

Group values

Our group values form an ever-evolving list, continually revised with input from group members:

• Be kind, especially in feedback.
• Uphold a culture of mutual respect, professionalism and courtesy.
• Prioritise rigour over impact.
• Embrace the diversity that enriches our research, community and lives.
• Actively invite, respect and consider a diversity of perspectives to challenge assumptions and enrich inquiry.
• Foster collaboration and open communication.
• Respect nature (see below for conservation and welfare).
• We have a responsibility to share our science with society (see below for open research).
• Mistakes are expected, respected and corrected.
• Engage in inclusive practices to ensure others feel welcome and able to participate.
• Be curious and inquisitive – never stop learning.

Open research

For more on our approach to open research, visit our open research page!

Conservation and welfare

Much of our research is focused on the conservation of invertebrate species, populations and communities. Our love of invertebrates (and animals more broadly) is a significant driver of our research, thus protecting them and limiting any impingement to their welfare is paramount. We are continually reviewing and revising our practices in line with best practice guidelines, but our principles include:

• Replace animals with other models where possible, reduce the number of animals used and refine methods to limit stress.
• Limit collection of animals to only those that need collecting for the purpose at hand and maximise the data collected from them.
• Maintain suitable housing, hydration, nutrition and disease management for ex situ invertebrates.
• Take an active philosophical approach to engaging with research ethics.