EPCOS 2022 Code of Conduct

The European Phase-Change and Ovonic Symposium 2022 organising committee value the participation of everyone and want everyone to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Accordingly, all participants are expected to show respect and courtesy to all other participants of E\PCOS2022 throughout the full duration of the conference and during all conference related activities.

To make clear what is expected, all participants, speakers, organisers and volunteers at E\PCOS2022 are required to conform to the following Code of Conduct. Organisers will enforce this code throughout the event to ensure a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Summary
E\PCOS2022 is a professional scientific exchange forum that is simply a by-product of many academics personal initiative to creating the world’s leading form for scientific exchange of ideas in this field. Although not an official organization, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive and intellectually challenging conference experience for everyone, where the discussion of ideas is held in a respectful and inclusive manner. To ensure this, we expect that all communication be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. We have a zero tolerance policy towards harassment, and therefore we expect all to:
- Treat each other with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.  
- Not insult or put down other attendees. Challenging others ideas or data is, of course required for robust science. However, we expect you to do this professionally.
- Communicate openly, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
- Be polite and respectful in all communication, be it in person or via online channels.

Remember that harassment and exclusionary or offensive jokes are not appropriate at E\PCOS2022, neither is excessive swearing. Inappropriate behaviour and harassment of conference participants in any form will not be tolerated. Do not send any unprofessional messages to other participants, including but not limited to private messages. Participants violating these rules may be asked to leave the conference at the sole discretion of the organisers without a refund.

Thank you for helping to make this a welcoming, friendly and inclusive event for all.

A Common Sense, non-legal Explanation

At the end of the day, this is OUR conference. It is all of us who have a collective responsibility to make sure this continues to be the premier scientific conference in this area of research – without harassment. As such, follow the above guidelines and use common sense.

Some examples (and definitely not comprehensive): If you want to ask someone on a date, ask yourself if this is the right forum. If you decide regardless, be clear and respectful – and respect a no. If you are approached personally and you wish not to take it forward, politely decline and say that you would rather have a professional relationship. If you want to ask someone about their religion because of their name or attire, refrain from it, as this could be deeply private for the other person. And should someone ask you regardless of the above, just politely let them know that you are not comfortable discussing this. And should you be the one to be rebuffed, be gracious, apologise and exit the situation so as not to make it more uncomfortable for the other person. Following simple guidelines and being respectful of others’ boundaries will make it pleasant for all.

Clarifications
Harassment includes offensive communication related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, trolling, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviours are expected to comply immediately.

Be careful with the words that you choose. Remember words can be offensive to those around you.

Copying, filming/recording and sharing of content from the E\PCOS2022 conference without explicit written agreement of presenters or the organisers is strictly prohibited.

CONTACT INFORMATION
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the organisers Luci Bywater and Harish Bhaskaran in person or via the event email address. Any reports will be handled in the strictest confidence. We mean it.

The organisers will ensure that we do our best to have an inclusive and harassment free environment.