The European Physical Society (EPS) is committed to promoting the advancement of physics, in Europe and all over the World, by all suitable means, including through the organisation of international meetings and conferences.
It is the policy of the EPS that all participants, including attendees, speakers, exhibitors, award recipients, volunteers, staff, contractors, and all other stakeholders at EPS-sponsored meetings will conduct themselves in a professional manner contributing to the advancement of science. Creating a constructive environment to enable respectful exchanges is the responsibility of all participants, which excludes any form of discrimination, harassment or retaliation.
Participants will avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background or any other characteristics protected by anti-discrimination law. Unprofessional or harassing behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated. Unprofessional behaviour includes inappropriate behaviour during the conference sessions as well as outside the session rooms on social or chat rooms. Harassment includes inappropriate or intimidating behaviour and language, unwelcome jokes or comments, unwanted touching or attention, offensive images, photography without permission, and stalking.
Victims will be given the possibility of reporting all cases in a safe and protected way. They are encouraged to report cases urgently.
How to report an incident
If you experience or witness bullying, discrimination, or harassment, you are encouraged to immediately inform the individual that his/her comments and/or behaviour are unwelcome. However, direct confrontation with a person engaged in offensive behaviour may not be possible or advisable in every situation. In this case you should report the incident.
If you wish to report, please, do so through the following methods:
- contact the ESPM-17 organisers,
- contact EPS staff.
You are also invited to write down as many relevant details as you can recall (e.g., names, dates, times, locations, behaviour or statements made, etc.), which can be helpful in assisting any future investigation of the incident.
To ensure a fair and complete investigation, EPS cannot accept anonymous reports. However, EPS will preserve confidentiality of the author’s report, except where doing so would compromise another person’s rights or impair a thorough investigation.
Upon receiving a report of misconduct, the EPS will mandate a prompt investigation by competent mediators. This may include speaking with the reporting individual and/or alleged victim, and/or (provided their consent) speaking to potential witnesses and the alleged offender. EPS may seek other legal or professional advice prior to any follow-up action. Sanctions may range from verbal warning, ejection from the meeting, to notifying appropriate authorities.
