EBRAINS Code of Conduct

Welcome– Contribute to inspiring and respectful discussions and collaborations!

We are many voices, many ways of being.We come with unique abilities, various cultures and communities. We speak, move, and express ourselves in different ways - some directly, others subtly; some with emotion, others more reserved. This diversity enriches our space. Butit can also lead to misunderstandings. This is why we prioritise clarification over confrontation and curiosity over assumption. We each help create a respectful and open environment.

That means:

  • We assume good intentions and are aware of different communication styles
  • We support others in understanding or being understood and each other’s learning
  • We speak to ideas, not people—and critique with care
  • When we notice tensions, we step in kindly to help mediate or ask what’s needed.

We clarify misunderstanding and adapt our communication style, for example if:

  • Someone speaks or writes in away that feels blunt, but they meant to be efficient
  • A participant avoids eye contact out of respect, not disinterest
  • One person adds to the conversation while the other is still talking to demonstrate listening

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RespectBoundaries

Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Unacceptable behaviours include:

  • Jokes should never be made atthe expense of others. Humour based on yourself is fine
  • Harassment, personal attacks,or threats - whether in comments or direct messages
  • Repeated or unwanted contact -either in person or online
  • Exclusionary behaviour  
  • Sharing private content without consent

If someone tells you a behaviour is making them uncomfortable, stop immediately. If you're unsure, ask or step back.

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Get in Touch If You Feel Unsafe or Need Support

Sometimes, harm occurs. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a misunderstanding, uncomfortable exchange, or something more serious—you’re not alone. Here you find people  whom you can contact. You can speak with them privately at any time.

They are available to:

  • Listen to your concerns
  • Clarify intent
  • Help mediate
  • Take action if necessary

If you need accessibility assistance or specific support, let us know—we’re committed to making this space welcoming for all. All reports are handled respectfully and confidentially. 

EBRAINS is committed to creating a safe and inclusive experience for our event attendees, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience, including people of many different backgrounds and experiences.

For all interactions during the event, we expect participants to abide by the Code of Conduct to ensure the environment remains productive and respectful. The following guidelines will further help ensure that we maintain a positive (virtual) experience for all attendees.

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How to ensure a mutual respective atmosphere:

  • Show up on time.
  • Introduce yourself before making comments. For online events, make sure your name is on display. You can also add your preferred pronouns.
  • Make sure you address other attendees with the correct pronouns (if they identified them)
  • Share your criticism in a constructive manner and focus on addressing ideas or research results, not people.
  • Give feedback that includes concrete suggestions for improvements, or additions.
  • Be interested and ask questions and demonstrate your interest to fully understand a person. Remember: your opinions and your findings are not absolute truths.
  • Be respectful and kind to one another and do not insult or derogate other attendees.
  • For online events, if you intend to participate in any video conference during the event, please make sure to dress appropriately.

 

UpholdClear Boundaries and Respect

We expect all participants and speakers to help ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone. Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated at any point of a meeting or event. We therefore reserve the right to delete comments in event-related fora or exclude participants from an event, that display any of the following:

  • Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions.
  • Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments, and visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability or other personal characteristics, including those protected by law.
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images.
  • Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.
  • Inappropriate disruption of meetings or events.
  • Comments that encourage or suggest unlawful activity;
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For online communication:

  • Messages not written by thesender (or the copyright holder, as appropriate);
  • Messages written in a languageother than English;
  • Messages that areunintelligible or do not follow the normal flow of discussion;
  • Messages posted in capitalsonly (these are difficult to read and can convey the impression of shouting).

Violating the rules and regulations ofthe used tools and platforms, including [platform A, platform B, etc].

 

Recordingand Screenshots

Unauthorised photographing, video or audio recording of slides, oral or poster presentations by the participants is strictly prohibited!

Taking photos, audio and video recordings is the responsibility of the organiser of the event and authorised persons. This content, if applicable for distribution, will be shared with the participants after the event.

 

Pleasenote: Failure to comply with any of these rules will not be tolerated and mayresult in exclusion from this and any future events.

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