EPPC XII Code of Conduct

Purpose

The organizers are committed to providing a professional, welcoming, inclusive, and harassment-free environment for all participants. The conference is intended to foster scientific exchange, collaboration, learning, and networking in a respectful atmosphere.

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants, including attendees, speakers, session chairs, organizers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, students, and guests.

Scope

• Scientific sessions and presentations
• Poster sessions
• Workshops and training events
• Field trips
• Social events organized in connection with the conference
• Conference communications and networking activities

Expected Conduct

• Treat all individuals with respect, courtesy, and professionalism.
• Encourage open and constructive scientific discussion.
• Respect differing scientific opinions and perspectives.
• Communicate in a collegial and considerate manner.
• Follow the instructions of conference organizers and venue staff.
• Respect personal boundaries and obtain consent before physical contact and before photographing or recording participants.
• Refrain from unauthorized recording or photographic documentation of scientific content during oral presentations.
• Contribute to an environment that supports equal participation and inclusion.

Unacceptable Conduct

• Harassment, intimidation, bullying, or stalking.
• Discrimination based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, career stage, or any other protected characteristic.
• Verbal abuse, personal attacks, threats, or deliberate disruption of presentations or events.
• Unwelcome sexual attention, comments, or advances.
• Offensive, degrading, or discriminatory language or imagery.
• Deliberate exclusion of participants from professional activities.
• Retaliation against individuals who report concerns or participate in investigations.
• Any behavior that violates applicable laws or venue regulations.

Scientific Exchange

Robust scientific debate is encouraged. Criticism of ideas, methods, interpretations, and data is an essential part of science. Such criticism should remain respectful, evidence-based, and focused on the scientific content rather than the individual.

Reporting Concerns

Participants who experience or witness behavior that may violate this Code of Conduct are encouraged to contact a member of the organizing committee or staff (including field-trip guides and session chairs) as soon as possible in person or via phone or email. Reports will be treated as confidentially as practicable. Organizers will review concerns promptly and fairly and may seek additional information where necessary. Conference organizers will work to the best of their ability to protect individuals reporting concerns from retaliation (see also unacceptable behaviors).

Responses to Violations

The organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action in response to violations of this Code of Conduct. Actions may include:

• Informal or formal warnings

• Removal from a session, event, or field trip

• Revocation of conference registration without refund

• Exclusion from future conference activities

• Notification of the participant's institution or employer, where appropriate

The nature of any response will depend on the severity and circumstances of the incident. Note that actions are not listed in sequential order; organizers may proceed directly to removal or exclusion where warranted by the severity of the conduct.

Emergencies and Criminal Conduct

=> Call 110

Anyone experiencing or witnessing behaviour that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to the safety of any person, or that may involve a criminal offence, should report to the Police Emergency Number 110 without delay. Individuals witnessing such incidents should take all reasonable steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of others before taking any further action.

Where appropriate, participants are also encouraged to inform a member of the conference organizing committee so that suitable measures can be taken with respect to the conference and its participants. Reporting an incident to the organizers does not replace reporting it to the relevant authorities where immediate risks to safety or potential criminal conduct are involved.

Commitment

By participating in the conference, all attendees agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Thank you for your commitment to a professional, respectful, and inclusive environment that supports scientific exchange and collaboration. 

We look forward to your visit!