ECER Community Code of Conduct

• ECER Community Code of Conduct (pdf)

Purpose
ECER brings together participants from diverse academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds. Our aim is to foster an environment where knowledge is shared openly, dialogue is conducted respectfully, and collaboration, grounded on trust and confidence, is strengthened across borders. To ensure that all participants can engage fully and safely, these Ethical Guidelines outline expectations for behaviour during all ECER activities (both in-person and online).

Appropriate Conduct
Participants are encouraged to engage in ways that foster a collegial, welcoming, and intellectually stimulating environment. To this end:

• Be welcoming and inclusive. ECER seeks to build a community where people of all backgrounds and identities feel respected and supported. This includes, but is not limited to, differences in race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, colour, immigration status, social and economic class, educational background, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, physical appearance, family status, political beliefs, religion, and mental or physical ability.
• Be friendly, patient, and considerate. The exchange of knowledge and ideas often requires time, clarity, and mutual understanding. Remember that participants come from diverse contexts, and English may not be everyone’s first language. Strive for clarity and patience in communication and consider how your contributions may affect or be used by others.
• Be respectful. Academic debate thrives on disagreement, but such disagreement must always focus on ideas, methods, and evidence, never on individuals. Frustration may arise, but personal attacks, dismissive remarks, or hostile conduct undermine the very purpose of scholarly dialogue.
• Choose words carefully. Professional conduct requires professional communication. Use language that is kind, precise, and inclusive. Avoid stereotypes, jokes at the expense of others, or remarks that could be experienced as belittling or offensive. Even unintended comments can create discomfort or exclusion, so take care to express disagreement or critique constructively.
• Foster a positive community. The value of ECER rests on the active contributions of all participants. Each of us has a responsibility to help create an atmosphere where colleagues feel comfortable sharing their research and perspectives without fear of ridicule, hostility, or discrimination.

Unacceptable Behaviour
Just as respectful, inclusive engagement strengthens our scholarly community, certain forms of conduct threaten it. The following behaviours are therefore unacceptable, as they compromise the integrity, safety, and collegiality of ECER:

• Harassment or discrimination. Any form of harassment, intimidation, or exclusion— whether verbal, physical, digital, or symbolic—is unacceptable. This includes, but is not limited to, comments or actions based on gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, political or philosophical views, nationality, or geographic origin.
• Personal attacks. Critical debate must focus on ideas and evidence, not individuals. Personal insults, mocking, or put-downs—particularly those targeting someone’s identity, background, or political stance—have no place in scholarly dialogue.
• Disrespectful disruption. While robust discussion is encouraged, behaviour that prevents others from speaking, presenting, or participating—such as persistent interruptions, aggressive challenges, or misuse of digital chat spaces—undermines the openness of exchange.
• Sexual misconduct. Unwelcome sexual attention, suggestive remarks, or inappropriate physical contact are strictly prohibited. Such actions create unsafe environments and erode trust among participants.
• Misuse of conference materials. Recording, photographing, or sharing content without consent—especially when restrictions have been clearly communicated—disrespects the rights of colleagues and violates the integrity of the conference space.

Unacceptable behaviour, even if unintended, can cause lasting harm to individuals and weaken the inclusive culture we aim to sustain. Participants are therefore urged to reflect on the impact of their words and actions, recognizing that professionalism requires not only intellectual rigor but also care and respect for others.

Reporting Concerns
A respectful environment depends on everyone’s vigilance and care. If you experience or witness conduct that does not align with these Ethical Guidelines, you are encouraged to speak up. Concerns may be raised directly with the ECER organisers through the following email address (wegscheider(at)eera.eu) or at the EERA desk at the conference venue.

Reports will be handled promptly, confidentially, and with sensitivity. You will be listened to and supported, and any action taken will be guided by the seriousness of the concern. Possible measures may range from informal conversations to formal warnings, removal from particular sessions, or exclusion from the remainder of the conference without refund. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern will not be tolerated.

Commitment of the Organisers
The organising committee takes seriously its responsibility to ensure that ECER is a safe, respectful, and inclusive space for all participants. To uphold this commitment, the organisers will:

• Apply these Ethical Guidelines consistently and fairly, without favouritism.
• Provide clear, accessible channels for raising concerns and ensure they are acted upon in a timely manner.
• Support participants who report inappropriate behaviour and protect their confidentiality as much as possible.
• Take preventive steps—such as clear communication of expectations and proactive monitoring of ECER spaces—to reduce the likelihood of misconduct.
• Continuously reflect on and improve these practices, acknowledging that building an inclusive academic community is an ongoing responsibility.

Shared Responsibility
By registering for ECER, participants agree to uphold these Ethical Guidelines. Building an inclusive and respectful scholarly community is a collective responsibility. Each of us plays a role in maintaining a space where critical dialogue and collaboration can thrive free of intimidation or hostility.