The European Space Agency strives to create a positive work environment where all people are treated with respect and dignity. In the context of ESA Science workshops and conferences, all participants are expected to help create an environment at the meeting and all associated activities that is professional and inclusive, in which everyone is treated with respect.

All participants are therefore requested to follow these guidelines:

• All participants are expected to behave professionally and to be respectful – critique ideas not people.
• All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience taking into account the many different backgrounds and perspectives of the participants.
• Participants may share the contents of talks/slides via social media unless speakers have asked that specific details/slides not be shared. If participants wish to share photos of a speaker on social media, it is strongly recommended that they first get the speaker’s permission.

ESA does not tolerate unprofessional or inappropriate behaviour or statements. This includes but isn’t limited to: sustained disruption of talks, comments related to individual characteristics, background or identity, and photography or recording of an individual without consent.

IMPLEMENTATION

Meeting organisers and chairs bear a particular responsibility in ensuring that the code of conduct is followed by all participants.

• The Local Organising Committee has at least two members who are designated as the contact points for all matters related to this code. Participants can report any violation of these guidelines to them in confidence.
• Should a participant witness behavior they suspect may be unprofessional or inappropriate, it is recommended that they approach the affected person as soon as possible to support and help them. The witness can encourage the affected person to report the unprofessional or inappropriate behavior as described below but should be guided by the affected person on their preferred course of action.
• Anyone requested to stop inappropriate behavior is expected to comply immediately. In serious cases, a participant may be asked to leave the event without a refund or, in the case of online participation, the removal of meeting credentials.
• In the case where the unprofessional or inappropriate behavior involves an ESA staff member, ESA’s Human Resources Department may be contacted for further guidance on the applicable policies and means of action.