Code of conduct

The organizers are committed to making this conference productive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, nationality or religion (or lack thereof). Our event can serve as an effective forum to consider and debate science-relevant viewpoints in an orderly, respectful, and fair manner.

This Code of Conduct is important to promoting diversity and creating an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment for all individuals. This Code of Conduct applies to all participants, including the organisers and applies to all modes of interaction, both in-person and online.

Conference participants agree to:

  • Treat all participants with kindness, respect, and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
  • Communicate openly, with respect for other participants, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
  • Behave professionally. Harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes are not appropriate.
  • All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate.
  • Be mindful of their surroundings and of their fellow participants. Alert our staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
  • Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue (for example, participants are kindly requested to keep their mobile phones in the off position in the rooms where scientific sessions are being held).

Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form will not be tolerated. Harassment includes speech or behavior that is not welcome or is personally offensive. Behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, so use discretion to be certain respect is communicated. Harassment intended in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior. Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to deliberate intimidation; stalking; unwanted photography or recording; sustained or wilful disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; use of sexual or discriminatory imagery, comments, or jokes; and unwelcome sexual attention.

Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior is a violation of the Code of Conduct. Falsely reporting unacceptable behavior is a violation of the Code of Conduct.

Participants asked to stop any inappropriate behavior are expected to comply immediately. Attendees violating these rules may be asked to leave the conference at the sole discretion of the organizers without a refund of any charge.

Any participant who wishes to report a violation of this policy is asked to speak, in confidence, to a member of the Conference Committee.

Thank you for helping to make our conference welcoming for all.