Practical information > Code of conduct

The 'XMM-Newton survey legacy for Athena and beyond' workshop aims to provide a safe and productive meeting environment that fosters the exchange of scientific ideas, provides equal opportunities and treatment for all participants, and is free of harassment and discrimination. Free and open discussion and debate are essential elements of scholarly interaction and this policy does not discourage them, but chairpersons, paper presenters, discussion panelists and other conference participants are expected to treat others with respect and consideration, to follow venue rules, and to alert staff or security of any dangerous situations or if anyone is in distress. All participants are also expected to abide by standards of scientific integrity and professional ethics.

At the 'XMM-Newton survey legacy for Athena and beyond' workshop, we will not tolerate discrimination or harassment, whether in person or virtual. Discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of individuals on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability status, or any other attribute. Harassment includes speech or any behavior, such as but not limited to remarks, both spoken and in other media, bullying, physical contact, stalking, sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, and unwelcome attention, that creates an intimidating, harmful, hostile, offensive, or threatening environment. Please remember that behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, and that harassment that is intended or delivered in a joking manner is unacceptable.

Anyone who experiences or observes discrimination or harassment should report this behavior to a LOC member supporting the conference or via email xmm2athena@sciencesconf.org.

Reports of discrimination or harassment will be maintained in confidence to the extent that doing so does not compromise the ability to investigate the reported conduct or the rights of others. Individuals violating this policy or making allegations in bad faith may be subject to disciplinary action. The workshop representatives reserve the right to take actions including, but not limited to, removing an individual from a meeting without warning. Retaliation against any person who files a complaint in good faith, or assists in the investigation of such a complaint, is also a violation of this policy and may also be subject to disciplinary action.

Sections of this policy draw heavily on the American Association for the Advancement of Science's policy.