Now that the Marles-Wright Laboratory is no longer a ‘virtual’ lab, in the sense that it isn’t just me and a laptop anymore, now seems like a good time to put out a little introduction and set out the scientific culture I’d like to foster as an independent researcher and lab head.

Since starting my Chancellor’s Fellowship in Edinburgh, I’m lucky to have found and employed a really promising RA and managed to secure funding for an EASTBio PhD student for the Autumn term. I have projects, networks and staff, now we just need start doing some serious science and start thinking about output and grant income. The culture of a lab is an important factor in determining success in these terms, as well as influencing the opportunities for training and professional development of staff and students, visibility, and atmosphere of working in a lab. Continue reading →