Core Values¶
Impact-Driven Work¶
Impact matters more than hours worked or plans made. We focus on what we deliver and its real-world effect. Time is our most precious resource, and as privileged, highly-educated people, spending it wisely on meaningful causes represents one of our best opportunities to improve the world.
Consider the broader implications:
- Some career choices create net-negative value for society
- "The best minds of my generation are thinking about how to make people click ads." —Jeff Hammerbacher
- We spend taxpayer money and have responsibility to use it well
- AI research has profound societal impact—keeping all development in private sectors creates dangerous concentrations of power
Radical Openness and Honesty¶
We cannot read each other's minds. Speak what you think—not speaking your mind works against our mission. Relying on telepathy is the most efficient way to doom a good relationship.
Scientific openness requires:
- Sharing code and data for all computational work (without this, most work becomes advertisement rather than research)
- Making our methods understandable and reusable—if others cannot build on our work, it's equivalent to the work never being done
- Transparent reporting of what worked and what didn't
- "given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow"
Bias Toward Action¶
Often it is easy to plan a lot on conceptualize. But in many of those cases it helps a lot to have a first prototype, some first numbers before overplanning and -engineering everything. Doing something often matters more than doing it perfectly—steering a moving ship is easier than starting from stillness.
When we are at the starting point of a project, we often have uninformed optimism. Too often we try to gather every possible information there is about the project before even starting. We have been conditioned from school that having more information will make us better in exams and tests. However, research does not work this way. The more we know, the more intimidating the task might become, and we might feel we need even more information before we can get started (to hide from this fear). Keep the initial momentum and fill in the missing pieces later and do not try to gather every possible piece of information before you start. Don't let information gather prevent you from taking actions
Similarly, you will make mistakes. And without making mistakes you will not learn. It will not be possible to do research without mistakes. In the end, it is called research. Thus, don't let the fear of mistakes prevent you from taking action. (Pay Flynn: "You have to be cringe before they binge")
Assume Good Intent and Show Kindness¶
Most people aren't assholes. Start from the assumption that others act with good intentions, even when results disappoint.
We support teammates and community because scientific progress cannot come at others' expense. We succeed as a team, recognizing that excellence is independent of background. Give credit to the team rather than taking it all yourself.
Scientific Integrity and Professionalism¶
We do things the right way and take pride in it. As professionals, we conduct ourselves accordingly—taking work seriously without cynicism.
Fix What's Broken¶
If you see something broken, fix it. Or at least speak up about it. Don't assume someone else will handle it.
Overdelivery Standard¶
We are always better, cleverer, faster than promised or expected. This builds trust and creates positive momentum.
Growth-Oriented Environment¶
We all (including Kevin) strive to grow and help each other in this process:
A lab is a nurturing environment that aims to maximize the potential of all group members as scientists and as human beings.
Uri Alon (modified by Kevin)
Additional Framework¶
- We strive to follow the Nolan Principles and the concepts outlined in HIFMB's social and cultural contract.
- I also find it very useful to review The Tail End from time to time to remind myself of the limited time we have and how important it is to use it wisely.
- I find it very constructive to aim high
Implications of Our Research¶
I would like us to always keep in mind the applications for our research and that it leads to making a positive impact on society.
That old sorcerer has vanished
And for once has gone away!
Spirits called by him, now banished,
My commands shall soon obey.
Every step and saying
That he used, I know,
And with sprites obeying
My arts I will show.Flow, flow onward
Stretches many
Spare not any
Water rushing,
Ever streaming fully downward
Toward the pool in current gushing.Come, old broomstick, you are needed,
Take these rags and wrap them round you!
Long my orders you have heeded,
By my wishes now I've bound you.
Have two legs and stand,
And a head for you.
Run, and in your hand
Hold a bucket too.Flow, flow onward
Stretches many,
Spare not any
Water rushing,
Ever streaming fully downward
Toward the pool in current gushing.See him, toward the shore he's racing
There, he's at the stream already,
Back like lightning he is chasing,
Pouring water fast and steady.
Once again he hastens!
How the water spills,
How the water basins
Brimming full he fills!Stop now, hear me!
Ample measure
Of your treasure
We have gotten!
Ah, I see it, dear me, dear me.
Master's word I have forgotten!Ah, the word with which the master
Makes the broom a broom once more!
Ah, he runs and fetches faster!
Be a broomstick as before!
Ever new the torrents
That by him are fed,
Ah, a hundred currents
Pour upon my head!No, no longer
Can I please him,
I will seize him!
That is spiteful!
My misgivings grow the stronger.
What a mien, his eyes how frightful!Brood of hell, you're not a mortal!
Shall the entire house go under?
Over threshold over portal
Streams of water rush and thunder.
Broom accurst and mean,
Who will have his will,
Stick that you have been,
Once again stand still!Can I never, Broom, appease you?
I will seize you,
Hold and whack you,
And your ancient wood
I'll sever,
With a whetted axe I'll crack you.He returns, more water dragging!
Now I'll throw myself upon you!
Soon, O goblin, you'll be sagging.
Crash! The sharp axe has undone you.
What a good blow, truly!
There, he's split, I see.
Hope now rises newly,
And my breathing's free.Woe betide me!
Both halves scurry
In a hurry,
Rise like towers
There beside me.
Help me, help, eternal powers!Off they run, till wet and wetter
Hall and steps immersed are lying.
What a flood that naught can fetter!
Lord and master, hear me crying! -
Ah, he comes excited.
Sir, my need is sore.
Spirits that I've cited
My commands ignore."To the lonely
Corner, broom!
Hear your doom.
As a spirit
When he wills, your master only
Calls you, then 'tis time to hear it."