Our community charter
A shared space needs shared principles. These guide how we connect, contribute, and look after the commons together.
Independent, by design
RA Commons is an independent community for current Research Associates and Research Assistants, including senior roles, and pre-docs worldwide. Its Global Commons and organization rooms are not official employer channels and are not managed, sponsored, or endorsed by the organizations they name. No employer representative receives privileged access by virtue of their job.
A voice for members
We make room for everyday connection, general research practice, career development, and thoughtful discussion of collective welfare. Founders and stewards cannot claim to speak for all members. Collective statements require an agreed member decision process and a named, authorized spokesperson.
Who belongs
Applications are open to current Research Associates and Research Assistants, including senior roles, and pre-docs worldwide. You declare your current research role, then either confirm an approved work inbox for immediate membership or request a private eligibility review. Inbox access does not independently prove employment or a particular lab affiliation. A public profile alone never approves an account. Manual review remains available without a work email or public profile. Reviews usually take a few days; if you have not heard back within a week, email [email protected]. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed deadline.
Protect entrusted information
Sharing any organization’s secret, private or confidential information or documents is not allowed anywhere on RA Commons, including private rooms, messages and Global Commons. This includes internal files, restricted findings, financial or personnel records, credentials, and identifiable research participant data. Share general lessons and resources that are already public instead. Room-admin approval never overrides this rule.
Accountable stewardship
Community stewards review manual applications and reports. Automatic admissions and room joins are recorded. New organization rooms form when two verified colleagues belong to the Commons; rooms open without automatically appointing a steward. A willing nominee accepts and another approved member of the same room confirms before an appointment takes effect. Steward actions require an authenticator or email security check. Existing appointments are preserved, and platform stewards can help with appointments or disputes. Members can raise concerns about a decision or conflict of interest with a platform steward. Community-wide changes should be discussed with members.
Eligibility and appeals
Platform stewards handle global eligibility appeals at [email protected]; room admins handle room-access questions. Rejected or globally suspended users cannot read community content. Membership is for current eligible research roles; alumni access is not currently offered.