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THIS. Such an important piece by Akiko Iwasaki @VirusesImmunity, on the pervasive problem in academia of principal investigators who abuse their powers and mistreat their trainees. I have a few thoughts to add 
1/n https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0831-6
1/n https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0831-6
A toxic culture in labs and institutes can be embedded & passed on for generations, even under watchful yet powerless eyes of the host university or institute e.g. if that lab is a major grant magnet. 2/n
Universities/institutes as well as funding bodies have the responsibility to help create an environment for trainees that is meeting the trainees’ needs - they have a responsibility of creating a good & 'mentally' safe work environment for all their staff & scientists. 3/n
Finding a lab or institute where amazing science is done is important, but even more important is finding a lab where amazing science is being taught and fostered by knowing and finding pride in good mentorship. 4/n
My advice to those who are looking to join a lab is to first REACH OUT to the community and previous lab members to get an idea of the culture in that lab (inc former lab members who have stayed in and those who have left the academic trajectory). 5/n
For advice on what to look for in a mentor, e.g. read the viewpoint below by M Clynes, @acorbe2 & @jnoverbaugh. 6/n https://www.nature.com/articles/s41568-019-0173-1
For those who find themselves working in a toxic lab my advice is equally to REACH OUT to a trusted previous mentor/ colleague if one is available. Do not shy away from reaching out to PIs like Akiko Iwasaki & others who are advocates in this area & who can give you support. 7/n
Reach out to your university’s ombudsperson if available. Do not shy away from reaching out to higher levels in order to be heard. 8/n
Being in a toxic lab and/or with a toxic supervisor can affect your #mentalhealth in negative ways, and in those circumstances it can be harder to reach out in person. Your PI might not know or care about the signs of stress and how detrimental it can be for their staff. 9/n
The culture & pressure of doing a PhD or postdoc in itself can be insurmountable. Your university might have counselling services available. Again, twitter can be a source for finding support. People like @FayLin or @ZJAyres & many more can be sources of advice and support. 10/n
There is no harm in leaving an environment that is not good for you and finding your way to an environment in which you can thrive. It is not a sign of weakness but will ultimately make you stronger. 11/11
