The Francesco Lucchin PhD School is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment in which all participants can learn, exchange scientific ideas, and build professional connections.
Everyone involved in the School is expected to contribute to an atmosphere free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and intimidation.
Expected Conduct
All participants are expected to:
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Treat others with courtesy and professional respect, including when expressing scientific disagreement.
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Respect differences in background, identity, experience, and academic seniority.
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Be mindful of personal boundaries and power imbalances, particularly in interactions between students and senior researchers.
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Help maintain an environment in which everyone can participate in discussions and activities.
Unacceptable Behaviour
The School does not tolerate harassment or discriminatory conduct. Examples include, but are not limited to:
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Offensive, degrading, or exclusionary comments or jokes relating to gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or other personal characteristics.
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Unwelcome sexual attention, sexually explicit imagery in professional settings, or inappropriate physical contact.
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Threats, deliberate intimidation, bullying, stalking, or repeated unwanted contact.
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Harassing photography or recording, or sharing images or recordings without consent or in disregard of stated restrictions.
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Persistent disruption of lectures, discussions, or other School activities.
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Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern, makes a report, or helps address a complaint.
Anyone asked to stop inappropriate conduct must comply immediately.
Scope
This Code applies to students, lecturers, organisers, volunteers, guests, and other participants. It covers all School-related activities, including lectures, discussions, breaks, social events, online sessions, and School-related digital communication.
Reporting Concerns
If you experience or witness conduct that may violate this Code, you may report it in person or by email to either of the designated contacts below. You do not need to confront the person involved before making a report.
Designated contacts (to be confirmed):
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Contact 1: [Name and email address]
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Contact 2: [Name and email address]
Reports will be handled sensitively and with discretion. Information will be shared only as needed to assess and address the concern, subject to applicable legal and institutional obligations.
Retaliation against anyone reporting a concern or supporting a report is prohibited.
In the event of an immediate threat to safety, please contact on-site staff or the appropriate emergency services.
Response to Violations
The organisers may take appropriate and proportionate measures in response to violations, depending on the circumstances. These may include a warning, intervention to prevent further misconduct, restrictions on participation in specific activities, or removal from the School.
The School may take urgent protective measures when necessary. Decisions will be made with due regard to participant safety, fairness, and applicable institutional procedures. Any refund arrangements will follow the School's registration terms.
Reference to the IAU Code of Conduct
Please direct reports concerning the Francesco Lucchin PhD School to the School's designated contacts; the School's organisers are responsible for implementing this policy within their remit.
Thank you for helping us make the School a welcoming and constructive experience for everyone.