LamaLab Group Handbook

We face a world under strain. Distributions grow more bimodal. Inequalities widen. Polarization deepens. Science itself shows instability: papers, journals, scientists, and publication fees multiply—but scientific output stagnates.

Yet we live in a time ripe with opportunity. Who should improve things if not us? We are the "next generation"—scientists pushing frontiers. Most of us enjoy privilege: we earn more than most people on earth, received excellent education, and now society trusts us to do science with remarkable freedom and minimal oversight. So who, if not us, should make things better?

We are a small team. But small teams drive most historical change. In every transformation, most people remained bystanders—but a small team of commited people got things done.

We try doing several things differently than research groups traditionally operate. We believe our approach is more sustainable—both for us as people and for the planet—and better adapted to our times.

This book outlines how we operate. Don't treat it as prescription—treat it as guideline. We hold a positive view of humanity: we trust people, we trust our team members to do right things informed by this roadmap. When you face decisions, we bias toward action—ask forgiveness, not permission—especially for reversible choices. Then openly share with radical candor what worked and what didn't.

How to use this book

New team members

Read the entire book as part of your onboarding. When you face new problems, search to see if this book addresses them or provides relevant checklists. If it doesn't, update it. General principle: if you see something broken here, fix it.

Prospective team members

This book offers insight into how we operate, but no document perfectly represents reality.

Everyone else

Use anything here under the MIT license spirit: no warranty provided, no rights reserved.

History of this book

This book emerged from a private handbook I (Kevin Jablonka) wrote before starting my research group in 2023. As the team grew, I realized in 2025 that the original version had grown outdated and no longer served its purpose. I began this rewrite in July 2025.