Between long experiments, late nights, and countless hours at the bench, scientists spend a lot of time in their labs. Alongside pipettes, conference posters, and the usual miscellaneous lab decor, researchers often find ways to make their workspace feel a little more like their own. Just as someone’s home décor can offer a glimpse into their personality, a scientist’s lab space can reveal their interests, quirks, and sense of flair. So, we asked The Scientist’s readers and staff: How do you decorate your lab desk or workspace?
Decking the Laboratory Halls with Music
Guy Plunkett’s collection of microbiology-related CDs has grown over time.
Guy Plunkett
Guy Plunkett, Senior Scientist Emeritus, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Before I retired, I decorated my office with a number of items, but my favorite was my collection of microbiology-related music CDs. This collection includes albums from bands called Salmonella Dub, Anthrax, Dengue Fever, and more.
Daniel Reddy has “countrified” his workspace with steer horns and various country memorabilia.
Daniel Reddy
Daniel Reddy, Analytical Chemistry Specialist, Queen's University
I am a classic country music fan, particularly the Rolls–Royce of country music, George Jones. I had fun "countrifying" my desk.
From Signs to Shells
Although there was not enough space on her desk, Hanne Ahola hung up her décor on the walls.
Hanne Ahola
Hanne Ahola, Biomedical Laboratory Scientist, University of Helsinki
There is no space on the desk. I must use the walls.
Meenakshi Prabhune received this iridescent nacre from a colleague
Meenakshi Prabhune
Meenakshi Prabhune, Editor-in-Chief, The Scientist
Nacre is the resilient, inner layer of certain shells. A colleague gifted me this iridescent nacre at the end of my lab rotation project on the proteins involved in its structural integrity. This prized possession sits atop my office desk as a reminder of lab days.
Microbial Art and Plushies Galore
Mark Martin has collected numerous microbial plushies that decorated his lab space.
Mark Martin
Mark Martin, Professor Emeritus, University of Puget Sound
What would I say about all of my microbial swag visible in this photo? "The microbial world is first evolved, and last extinct. This attitude is reflected in the microbial centricity of all of the student creative artwork I have collected over the years. Micronauts we soar indeed!"
This embroidered microbe kept Laura Tran company throughout her graduate studies.
Laura Tran
Laura Tran, Associate Editor, The Scientist
I started embroidering during my PhD to relax. This piece is my tribute to the “superbug” methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which I studied during my undergraduate research. It hung over my desk throughout my PhD, and it still hangs in my office today!
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
