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Developing Collaborative Operations Manuals for Research Groups

Dr. Katherine Ryker

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Dr. Laura Lukes

University of British Columbia

Dr. Annie Klyce

Vanderbilt University

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A well-structured operations manual can…

Improve lab efficiency and productivity
Facilitate onboarding of new members
Ensure consistent research practices and data quality
Mitigate knowledge gaps during personnel transitions (e.g. graduation, family leave)

Image made by Gemini.

The Hidden Curriculum

Your Advisor

What’s something you wish every student working in your lab knew?

Or

What essential information should a research lab operations manual include?

What’s a question a student researcher might be nervous to ask?

Developing the Manual

Creating an outline of necessary information and filling in the gaps
Getting feedback from peers
Ensuring all lab members feel involved and contribute to the creation and/or management of the manual
Planning for version control and updating mechanisms

Workshop Goals & Audience

Identify information that should be included in a shared research group document, including topics it may be difficult to ask an advisor about (e.g. accessing proposals, balancing research and teaching, taking vacation time, mental health, what funding is available for conferences).
Start/Create an outline or draft document for your own research group to share with trainees (current or future!)
Formulate a plan to keep research group documents updated.

Image made by Gemini.