10 actions supervisors can take to create a healthy lab culture

Research in university laboratories is a competitive team sport carried out primarily by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows under the supervision of a faculty member. Supervisors provide the resources and training needed to produce novel research findings that are publishable in peer-reviewed journals that form the basis of an MSc or PhD thesis. Papers remain the currency of success and the adage “publish or perish” still applies. However, a singular focus on publications can produce an unhealthy lab environment where results are all that matter. Research, as well as teaching and other activities, can also support the development of technical and transferable skills to prepare trainees for diverse career goals.  

Supervisors often see themselves as valued mentors and role models, training the next generation of researchers. The reality is that most PhD graduates do not become professors. Thus, the apprenticeship model is obsolete. Professors need to embrace this reality and remain open to diverse career paths. Unfortunately, supervisors often have little or no formal lab management training and many are unaware of the diverse job prospects for their trainees. Various organizations have recognized this gap and have created initiatives focused on recognizing healthy lab practices and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Responding to a report on promoting a healthy lab culture that recognized the value of the recently revived Dimensions project, the school of graduate studies at the University of Toronto created a centre for graduate mentorship and supervision and a centre for graduate professional development. These centres are designed to provide advice and support to graduate students and supervisors with an emphasis on communication, and to support and recognize healthy research practices, respectively. While these high-level initiatives have merit, it is the supervisor-student relationship that is key to a healthy lab culture.  

Here are 10 actions a supervisor can take to create a healthy lab culture: 

1. Create a safe environment of collaborative research, teamwork and sharing of good practices. Supervisors play a leading role in creating a healthy lab environment where team members work together to achieve a common goal. 

2. Outline expectations that are clear, realistic and achievable. Communication is key to setting and achieving expectations.  

3. Be open to challenges, change and new ideas. An open lab structure creates a dynamic and inclusive research environment. 

4. Treat everyone fairly and with respect. Equitable treatment of lab members will set a positive tone that will be modelled by others. 

5. Operate with honesty and integrity, adhering to codes of conduct. Supervisors are role models and should lead by example.  

6. Support scholarly reading, writing and oral communication practices. The development of critical analysis and communication skills are key outcomes provided by a high-quality training program.  

7. Provide constructive feedback in a timely manner and recognize contributions. Timely completion of a training program depends on continued evaluation of progress.  

8. Promote well-being with reasonable working hours, mandated vacation days and mental health supports. Trainees today understand that a healthy work-life balance is key to success and the development of time management skills increases productivity.  

9. Recognize diversity, equity and inclusion as core values. The Dimensions charter recognizes that “equity, diversity and inclusion strengthen the research community, the quality, relevance and impact of research, and the opportunities for the full pool of potential participants.”  

10. Promote the professional development of trainees and encourage career exploration. Today’s supervisors are open to diverse careers for their trainees and embrace the reality that not all of their PhD students will follow in their footsteps to become professors. 

Like high-performing athletes, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows benefit from expert training but also need to be at their best physically and mentally. A healthy lab environment allows everyone to be productive and reach their full potential. 

The 10 actions were adapted from the book Success in Graduate School and Beyond by Nana Lee and Reinhart Reithmeier, published by U of T Press in 2024.