The ASM national conference is a considered a workplace for all registrants and professional, respectful and constructive discussion of scientific ideas and inclusive behaviour is expected of all participants. The ASM commits to a safe, inclusive and positive environment for all participants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, veteran status, age/career stage, physical appearance or disability. Discrimination or harassment of others will not be tolerated.

The ASM national conference is a considered a workplace for all registrants and professional, respectful and constructive discussion of scientific ideas and inclusive behaviour is expected of all participants. Members asked to stop any inappropriate behaviour are expected to comply immediately. Members violating this code of conduct may be sanctioned, suspended or expelled from the conference without a refund at the sole discretion of the ASM Executive.

This code of conduct applies to all individuals who organise or attend/participate in the ASM national conference. This includes, but is not limited to ASM members, non-members, speakers, attendees, staff, volunteers, and exhibitors. This code of conduct also applies to any form of communication between ASM members, whether in person or online (via email, social media or other means).

Below we outline the code of conduct that all participants are expected to follow:

• Behave professionally.

• Contribute to a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment where equity, diversity, and inclusion are valued and upheld. We encourage all participants to engage professionally and respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, cultures, abilities, and perspectives, and to be mindful of the impact of their words and actions. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, exclusionary behaviour, or any conduct that undermines the participation, dignity, or wellbeing of others will not be tolerated.

• By attending or participating in this conference, you agree to help create a safe and supportive environment where all individuals can contribute, learn, network, and share ideas free from prejudice and bias.

• Harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes are not appropriate. Harassment includes sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention or innuendo, deliberate intimidation, stalking, and photography or recording of an individual without consent. It also includes offensive comments related to gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, veteran status, age/career stage, physical appearance or disability, and the use of language or images that demean or degrade persons of particular gender, racial, ethnic, religious or national identity.

• All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate.

• Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other attendees. Be respectful during scientific discussions including during question time.

• This code of conduct applies to all face-to-face and online interactions before, during and following the conference, including social interactions that take place at external sites connected to the conference venue.

Participants asked to stop behaviour that does not follow our code of conduct are expected to comply immediately. Any conference attendee who is reported to be engaging in behaviour not consistent with the code of conduct will receive a verbal warning from either a member of the ASM Executive Committee or the Local Organising Committee. In the event that the behaviour continues, the attendee will be asked to leave the conference without a refund. Witnesses to any behaviour violating the code of conduct are asked to speak up to a Committee Member or ASN Events, as described below, if doing so will not cause further harm to victim of the harassment or put themselves at risk.

Any participant who wishes to report a violation of this policy is asked to speak, in confidence, to a member of the ASM Executive Committee or the Local Organising Committee, or staff from ASN Events present at the conference. All committee members and ASN Events staff are required to communicate violations of this policy to the ASM Executive immediately. If you are uncomfortable approaching committee members or ASN staff directly, please email the ASM President Prof Mark Schembri at m.schembri@uq.edu.au or the ASM Immediate Past President Prof Dena Lyras at dena.lyras@monash.edu.  

Any person who has violated this Code of Conduct at the ASM national conference or who has allegations of harassment proven against them from another workplace may sanctioned, suspended or expelled from the society and/or conference without a refund at the sole discretion of the ASM Executive as well as refused attendance at future ASM activities.