Developmental Biology Community Values Statement

The Developmental Biology Department at Stanford is committed to fostering a positive environment and to supporting and encouraging each member of our department community. We believe that central to the success of our department is creating and maintaining a space where every individual is able to achieve the goals they set for themselves.

Our community is enriched by the perspectives of people who think in different ways, and by the unique life experiences each person brings to their work. All voices and ideas matter and contribute to the production of our best science — research does not operate in a vacuum, and we are most likely to succeed with the help of friends and colleagues that can provide new ideas and perspectives.

As a department, we aspire to advance knowledge and educate the next generation of scientists. Without an understanding of the breadth of challenges faced by others, we cannot bring these aspirations to fruition. We can and will do more to be introspective, compassionate, and to show up for one another. Training, advocating for, and supporting those who for any number of reasons have faced difficulty accessing scientific research will continue to be an animating goal in our department. Promoting the success of members of our department and others who are eager to participate in science will have an impact that outlasts any one scientific discovery.

As a department, we commit to the following goals and actions:

1. Actively encourage applications from prospective trainees by providing opportunities to learn more about the department and to get to know current students.

   • Represent our department at conferences attended by large numbers of undergraduates.

   • Host a yearly online recruitment panel.

2. Prioritize holistic review for hiring and admissions.

3. Foster a culture of learning and reflection that allows department members to have conversations about topics of interest.

   • Hold a Journal Club for trainees, staff, and faculty to discuss the impacts of science and society on one another.

4. Extend opportunities to participate in research to undergraduates who have not previously had access to a first research experience.

5. Provide department members with an up-to-date list of resources, including funding, fellowship, and outreach opportunities.

6. Have multiple channels for receiving anonymous feedback from department members about ways we can improve our community.

   • Department members can provide any anonymous feedback here.
   (you will have to sign in with your Stanford email but your email address will not be saved/recorded)

Note: This is a living document that we will continue to revise and update regularly to reflect the actions our department chooses to prioritize. Last updated 02.27.2025.