CGS Launches Healthy Research Teams and Labs Initiative

CGS is excited to announce the launch of Healthy Research Teams and Labs initiative. Originally developed at the University of Toronto and expanded by CGS with support from Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), this initiative will provide positive actions CGS members can take to develop and support productive research teams at their institutions.

A healthy research culture is important for conducting high-quality research, promoting work-life balance, creating realistic goals and expectations in the research team setting and encouraging the well-being of all members. Importantly, healthy research teams may help prevent or address some common challenges in the highly competitive research environment.

CGS established an advisory committee focused on advancing positive and healthy practices within research teams across CGS member institutions. The committee collaborated on the following resources:

• A context document that outlines a shared vision and seven core interconnected values CGS member institutions and advisors can adopt to help cultivate healthy research teams.
• Recommendations for each stakeholder in the graduate community to help recognize and promote healthy practices.
• A statement of commitment that advisors of research labs can use to signal their dedication to healthy research environments.
• A list of supplementary resources to support promising practices.

This initiative is intended to provide CGS member institutions with guidance and support to foster positive change in their research communities.

Visit the webpage to learn more about how you can commit to healthy research environments for your students and join us for a webinar today, February 5 at 2 p.m. EST  to learn more about the initiative.