Wagner Ecology Lab

Equity, diversity & inclusion
• The Wagner Ecology lab is a place where members can grow in a supportive and inclusive environment, irrespective of ethnicity, gender, body appearance, religious beliefs, family or marital status, age, or colour.
• By joining our group, researchers, students, and volunteers pledge to contribute to a respectful and positive lab environment, to uphold ethical standards, and to adhere to health and environmental safety procedures.

Lab social environment
• We contribute to a positive, welcoming, and respectful social environment, and to be mindful about language and behaviour.
• Our main workplace and most of our field locations are located on Treaty 6 territory. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
• Our work would not be possible without public funding. Lab members are expected to give back by disseminating knowledge to the public, through scientific papers, conference presentations, and public outreach.
• We are part of a community and support each other whenever we can and we acknowledge the help of our lab members in our presentations, research reports, or papers.
• We share data among each other and are open to sharing data with other scientists.
• We avoid creating obstacles for fellow lab members by keeping shared workspaces clean after finishing a batch of work.
• We keep sensitive information confidential.
• We do not tolerate any harassment, including prejudice, gossiping, or abusive language/behaviour.
• Lab members who are feeling harassed can reach out the PI, lab members they trust, or reach out to the UofA Office of Safe Disclosure & Human Rights here.

Ethical standards
• We adhere to academic integrity, are truthful in our conduct, and do not plagiarize.
• We secure permits when conducting fieldwork in protected areas, private properties, First Nation reserves, and Metis settlements.
• We treat local communities, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, and the environment with great respect and, if appropriate, reach out to local communities to inform them about out work.

Health and environmental safety
• The health of lab members and the safety of the environment are a key priority in our lab.
• We participate in annual lab safety training provided by the University and adhere to the rules set in the lab standard operating procedures.
• Prior to any fieldwork, graduate students, undergraduate research students, and post-docs prepare field action plans. All lab members take safety training (e.g. bear and cougar safety, first aid).
• We avoid risky behaviour in the lab and in the field, and only perform work that we feel comfortable doing.
• We do our share to protect the environment. When working with soil and plant material from abroad, we secure import permits and adhere to the respective safety operating procedures.