Marine Mammal Institute

The Marine Mammal Institute of Oregon State University integrates research, education, and outreach to advance knowledge of marine mammals, train the next generation of professionals, and engage with stakeholders to ensure that these animals and their ecosystems are always healthy. At the core of our mission is scientific excellence — our central value and one we continually strive to embody.

A key driver of scientific excellence is diversity — in all forms. Put simply, more minds with broader approaches result in better science. We commit to fostering a culture that advances scientific excellence through welcoming, increasing, and embracing diversity. This community agreement, created by all members of the Marine Mammal Institute, articulates four key beliefs, each with ideal practices associated with cultivating diversity wherever we work. We have deliberately created this as a living document to allow for ongoing revision through continued reflection, openness to learning, and self-challenge. We do all of this in pursuit of diversity as a driver of scientific excellence. 

People are our greatest asset.

• Success of one contributes to the success of all. We mentor and empower. 
• Collaboration expands our capacity. We engage broadly.
• Inclusion fosters excellence through expansion. We involve others in decision making and knowledge sharing, particularly those who may be affected by the outcome. 

We cultivate belonging.

• Everyone has value to contribute. We are at our best when we feel welcomed, seen, and heard.
• We build a shared purpose. Collective ownership leads to improved outcomes.
• We share credit. We acknowledge our partners and our predecessors (those upon whom our efforts are built).

We respond to the unfamiliar with curiosity.

• Curiosity is key to scientific excellence. We question assumptions, including our own, with open minds and humility.
• We listen to and respect diverse lived experiences. We recognize how far people have come as well as where they are now.
• We embrace new perspectives, new evidence, and productive change. 

We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards.

• We invite, and offer, constructive feedback with care.
• We respond to constructive feedback with gratitude and openness. 
• We cultivate space for honest dialogue while recognizing there are inherent power differences among people and situations that may pose barriers. We work to become aware of these power differences and learn to create safe space for each other.