The IEECR is dedicated to making the institute a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all. Below you can find a specific code of conduct for behavior, as well as a broader discussion of what constitutes an inclusive environment.
Anti-harassment Policy
All members of the IEECR, along with visitors, are expected to agree with the following code of conduct. This code pertains to any IEECR venue and IEECR-related event, including meetings, presentations, or discussions, as well as to every member whenever representing the IEECR in any form. It also applies to any form of online interactions. We will enforce this code as needed. We expect cooperation from all members to help ensure a safe environment for everybody.
The Quick Version
The IEECR is dedicated to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin, or religion (or lack thereof). We treat each other with respect. We do not tolerate harassment of, or by IEECR members in any form. Sexual language and imagery is generally not appropriate for any IEECR venue, including lab meetings, presentations, or discussions.
The Less Quick Version
Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive or belittling verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, family situation or background, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin, or religion (or lack thereof), sexual imagery in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. It also includes any physical threats and assault, spreading of malicious rumours, sabotaging of others‘ work and other behaviors undermining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Members asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
If you are being harassed, or if you notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns about potentially inappropriate behaviours, you have a number of options. Aside from your PI, you may always contact the head of the institute directly (Heinz Beck, e-mail heinz.beck@ukbonn.de, +49-228-6885-215) at any time. You may suggest a one on one meeting or a meeting with an additional person of trust at your own discretion. A list of these persons, ranging from PhD level to postdoc level, is available here (follow link).
The institute leadership takes harassment very seriously and is aware of the devastating personal consequences harassment can have. Accordingly, all IEECR members should be aware that harassment can have serious consequences for culpable parties.
Building an inclusive lab environment
The above code deals specifically with behaviors that are considered harassment. Yet, building an inclusive environment goes well beyond avoiding harassment. We expect all IEECR members to treat one another with respect and to be sensitive to how one’s words and actions impact others. We do not tolerate the perpetuation of stereotypes; we do not tolerate other acts of microaggression or humiliation. We believe that every member of the IEECR in the lab is an individual with their own story and unique talents. We are a team. Within groups, and within the IEECR, we stand up for one another. We learn from each other. We hold each other accountable.
All people should have equitable access to different kinds of careers and learning opportunities. We also know that science benefits from diverse perspectives. The IEECR is committed to increasing the diversity of our scientific community and to integrating and supporting groups that are currently underrepresented.
(Acknowledgement: This statement was generated by the Ackels group, and has been adapted – with minor changes – as IEECR statement)
Unanimously ratified in the IEECR Members Meeting, 8th October 2024