Applicability

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants of HEREM 2026, including but not limited to:
•Organizers   •Volunteers   •Attendees •Speakers   •Sponsors  
•Exhibitors •Vendors   •Guests   •Reviewers   •HEREM staff
It applies to all HEREM-related activities, including conference sessions, poster presentations, workshops, social events, official online meetings, and HEREM-related online communication and social media.
Participation in HEREM 2026 constitutes agreement to abide by this Code of Conduct, applicable venue rules, and local laws.

Expected Behavior

TAll HEREM participants are expected to:
• Treat others with respect, courtesy, and professionalism.
• Communicate openly and constructively, including when expressing different scientific opinions.
• Respect diversity in nationality, culture, gender, background, discipline, and professional experience.
• Keep scientific criticism focused on research, evidence, methods, and ideas rather than individuals.
• Be mindful of the safety, comfort, and well-being of other participants.
• Follow reasonable instructions from conference organizers, session chairs, venue staff, and security personnel.
• Report serious safety concerns or potential violations of this Code of Conduct to the HEREM Organizing Committee.
HEREM encourages vigorous scientific discussion and disagreement. Differences in scientific opinions or interpretations are welcome when expressed respectfully and professionally.

Unacceptable Behavior

HEREM does not tolerate behavior that interferes with the safety, dignity, or participation of others.
Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:
• Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
• Sexual harassment or unwelcome sexual attention.
• Offensive or derogatory comments based on gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, appearance, or other personal characteristics.
• Verbal abuse, threats, physical assault, or inappropriate physical contact.
• Deliberate stalking, following, or persistent unwanted contact.
• Harassing or unauthorized photography, audio recording, or video recording.
• Sustained disruption of presentations, discussions, poster sessions, or other conference activities.
• Threats of physical, professional, or financial harm.
• Retaliation against anyone who reports a suspected violation of this Code of Conduct.
• Any other conduct that creates a hostile, unsafe, or significantly disruptive environment.
This list is illustrative and is not intended to be exhaustive.

Reporting a Concern

Anyone who experiences or witnesses behavior that may violate this Code of Conduct is encouraged to report it to a member of the HEREM Organizing Committee as soon as possible.
Reports will be taken seriously and, where reasonably possible, handled confidentially. HEREM will make reasonable efforts to protect the privacy of individuals who report concerns.
If there is an immediate threat to someone's safety, please contact the appropriate local emergency services or venue security.

Response to Violations

The HEREM Organizing Committee will review reported concerns and determine an appropriate response based on the circumstances.
Possible actions may include:
• A request to stop the behavior;
• A verbal or written warning;
• Removal from a session or conference activity;
• Removal from the conference;
• Restriction or exclusion from future HEREM events; or
• Referral to venue security or appropriate authorities when necessary.
Serious or repeated violations may result in removal from the conference without a refund.
HEREM does not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report concerns or cooperate with a review.

Professional and Scientific Conduct

HEREM is committed to maintaining a professional environment that supports responsible scientific communication and collaboration.
Participants are expected to respect the intellectual contributions, confidentiality, and professional work of others. Nothing in this Code of Conduct is intended to restrict legitimate scientific criticism, academic debate, or the exchange of different research perspectives.