The European Cetacean Society (ECS), with the support of the conference Local Organising Committee (LOC), is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all who participate in its conferences, workshops, and associated events. All individuals attending are expected to behave respectfully and in a way that does not harass or humiliate others.
This Code of Conduct applies to all participants, including attendees, speakers, organisers, volunteers, exhibitors, service providers, and guests.
Introduction
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is not to impose rules in a prescriptive or punitive way, but to outline the shared values and community standards that make ECS events safe, respectful, and enjoyable for all. It is intended as a reminder of common sense, professionalism, and mutual care. By attending ECS events, participants agree to uphold these principles and contribute to a safe atmosphere of openness, collaboration, and support.
Online Behaviour
The Code of Conduct applies equally to digital spaces associated with the event (e.g., online platforms, chat groups, or social media).
EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
Be respectful
A conference is an exchange of ideas, and whilst we encourage scientific debate and the challenge of scientific ideas, we expect delegates to treat others with respect and consideration. Communicate thoughtfully, listen to others, and be considerate of others’ ideas, viewpoints and opinions, even if they are different from your own. Disagreements should be expressed and received with respect and grace instead of friction. Respect the rules and policies of all venues associated with the conference.
Be inclusive
Welcome and value diversity in all its forms. Be inclusive of everyone in an interaction, respecting and facilitating people’s participation. Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants. Ensure that accessibility needs are respected (e.g., for persons with disabilities, mobility limitations, or other requirements)
Respect the work of others
Acknowledge intellectual contributions and give due credit. Protect the confidentiality of unpublished work unless given explicit permission to share. Respect speaker-imposed restrictions (e.g., sharing embargoes). Respect all conference materials, including signage and informational signs (e.g., posters, slides, official signs), as well as personal spaces and belongings of other participants, and follow any related instructions. Ask for permission before photographing, recording, quoting, or sharing content from talks, posters, or workshops, including on social media.
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR
Discrimination
Discriminatory treatment or inappropriate comments based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation(*) are unacceptable.
Sexual Harassment
Any form of sexual harassment is unacceptable. This includes verbal or non-verbal, including physical, behaviour of a sexual nature that could reasonably be expected – or perceived – to offend, humiliate, intimidate, create a hostile environment, or undermine an individual’s dignity. This includes unwanted physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, suggestive remarks, inappropriate gestures, intrusive staring or non-verbal conduct, unwanted advances, and inappropriate communications through digital channels (e.g., emails, messages, images, or social media).
Bullying and Personal Attacks
Physical or verbal abuse, disrespectful or insulting comments (including remarks that make someone feel small or unimportant), mobbing, and other forms of harmful language or body language are unacceptable. Professional position, seniority or experience should not be misused to intimidate or undermine students, early-career researchers, or junior colleagues.
Disruptive Behaviour
Intentional disruption of talks, workshops, or other events will not be tolerated. This includes sustained interruption, disrespect towards speakers or participants, and behaviour that undermines the inclusivity or accessibility of the event. The ECS is a family-friendly conference, and tolerance for those attending with their children is expected. Similarly, those attending with young children are asked to be mindful of other conference attendees and to take advantage of the facilities provided for families when appropriate.
Violence and Threats
Violence, threats of violence, or behaviour that puts others at risk of harm are unacceptable. This applies both to physical and verbal forms of aggression, online or in person.
Alcohol and Substances
Alcohol consumption or the use of substances to the point that impairs judgement, creates safety risks, or makes others uncomfortable is unacceptable.
REPORTING PROCESS
If you have a concern, you may:
- Inform a member of the ECS Council or designated LOC contact (as identified at each conference)
- Submit a report online through an anonymous webform (link coming soon).
Reports will be treated confidentially and with respect. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis, in order to investigate and settle the situation.
Anonymous reports may be submitted, but please note that they may limit the ability to investigate fully.
As far as possible, the ECS Council will protect the complainant’s identity during follow-up and resolution. When not anonymous, complainants will be informed of the outcome, whether their concern is upheld or not.
CONSEQUENCES
Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply fully.
The ECS Council may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including:
- A verbal or written warning;
- Removal from the event without refund;
- Exclusion from attending future ECS events;
- Reporting the incident to relevant authorities and/or initiating legal action, where applicable.
If the ECS Council determines that a report was made maliciously or in bad faith, disciplinary or other appropriate action may be taken against the complainant.
FURTHER ADVICE
If you have questions about this Code of Conduct, whether a certain behaviour may be inappropriate, or how to report an incident, please contact a member of the ECS Council.
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed regularly by the ECS Council and updated as needed.
(*) wording from Article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights