Code of Conduct

Scales Lab is a collaborative team of scientists who work together to advance our understanding of the marine environment. We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, diverse and inclusive place for learning, teaching and contributing. We value ideas, hard work, open minds, and a sense of fun.

Team members:

We recognise and respect that science, at times, can be stressful and difficult! Although you will experience frustrating and emotionally challenging days during your research journey, continued courtesy and respect towards others is expected. If you are experiencing mental or physical health concerns as a result of your project, feel free to reach out for a confidential chat with Kylie and/or Dave to discuss potential accommodations. We value work-life balance, and nothing is more important than the mental and physical health of our team.

Lab members are expected to attend fortnightly team meetings and individual project meetings, and respond to lab emails within a reasonable timeframe. However, we understand everyone works best at different times of day and may have familial commitments, and so we expect team members work at times that best suits them. Members are not expected to be available outside of business hours, on the weekend, and on public holidays, except in extenuating circumstances (e.g., planned fieldwork/labwork, conference travel etc).

We value collaboration and the diversity of ideas, skills and outputs that collaborative efforts can achieve. We encourage lab members to assist and collaborate with each other on each other’s projects. However, if you wish to collaborate with people outside of the lab, run it by Kylie first before approaching the researcher/s, to ensure expectations regarding funding, authorship, roles and responsibilities etc. are clearly outlined and agreed upon.

All members of our team, regardless of age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, culture, academic record, personal background, disability status, economic status, or mental health status, shall be treated with equal respect and recognition. No forms of harassment or discrimination are tolerated. Harassment is any form of behavior that excludes, intimidates, or causes discomfort. We will not tolerate intimidation, stalking, following, unwanted photography or video recording*, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. This applies within and outside of the lab. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact Kylie Scales immediately. If Kylie is the cause of your concern and you do not feel comfortable talking to her directly, Dave Schoeman is a good informal point of contact. For official concerns, please see the UniSC Safer Communities Team.

*Ask for permission before posting candid photographs/videos of labmates to social media or in talks. If using a photo of a labmate in a talk to credit their work, use the photo they approved for the lab webpage or another professional social networking site, or otherwise ask for their permission.

If you see or hear something inappropriate, a productive response is to gently remind the lab member of the code of conduct. If you believe a situation requires further intervention, contact Kylie or Dave.