SOCIEDAD URUGUAYA DE BIOCIENCIAS

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Sociedad Uruguaya de Biociencias (SUB) is a non-profit civil association that gathers and connects all the people dedicated to the investigation in the different areas of Biosciences in Uruguay organizing scientific actions such as congresses, paper presentations, round tables, conferences and others. Through these events the SUB promotes the open exchange and critical evaluation of scientific ideas, facilitating the development of new collaborations and reinforcing the development and consolidation of biosciences investigation in our country. To aim this, the SUB wishes its reunions to be inclusive and that every participant fells welcome and secure.

We expect that every participant in the activities organized by the SUB or any of its sectionals, including the Congresos Nacionales de Biociencias (main biannual activity of the SUB), and the members of its directory to be familiar with this code of conduct and behave professionally, treating each other with respect and consideration. This includes a reflexive appreciation of the professional status of every member, specially of those that may not share the same background or privileges. An open and inclusive environment is one where every participant subscribes to a cooperative and empathetic behavior. All participants must acknowledge that power and status affect the ways of expression and reception of words and actions.

The following behavior are strictly prohibited in congresses and other events organized by the SUB or it's sectional, whether this behavior is physical, verbal or in writing.

Sexual Harassment from any participant, which includes, as an example, unwanted behaviors of sexual nature, proposals, request for sexual favors, explicit sexual jokes, unnecessary physical contact, whistles and others. All participants must acknowledge that acceptable behavior for some people may not be acceptable for everyone, and those from less privileged backgrounds or in lower positions may be reluctant to object unwanted behavior in an explicit way.

Discrimination of any kind, including race, culture, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic class, educational level, migratory status, age, capability, civil status or familiar situation, political or religious beliefs.

Be aware that jokes or attempts to downplay the differences in status or physical appearance generally reinforce, instead of diminish, power differences. Words or actions that manipulate status or power to underestimate, offend or deprive the participants of its rights are unacceptable, such as inappropriate comments intended as a joke.

Bullying, intimidation and physical damage from any participant through scary, humiliating or threatening behavior, including presentation interruptions, stalking or following. We know that sometimes scientific disagreements will arise, and, by any means, wish to discourage academic and scientific discussion, but these discussions must be fair and respectful, focusing on science and not in the people discussing it.

Moral Harassment any action that is systematically repeated, that can damage the dignity or integrity through degradation of the work conditions, creating and intimidatory, offensive or hostile environment, no matter the reason that leads to this conduct.

Retaliation for complaining about inappropriate behavior, and unfunded complaints are unacceptable and will be considered a violation of these Code of Conduct.

All complaints about inappropriate behavior will be strictly confidential. Anyone who experiences or witnesses’ violations to these Code of Conduct can address their complaints in person to any member of the Conduct Commission that will be created for this purpose, or in writing to the e-mails that will be published in the SUB and its sectionals webpages (www.sub.org.uy)

Every complaint will be thoroughly investigated, in a fair and swiftly manner by the Conduct Commission, that will grant to every part the opportunity to explain itself in a confidential way. Sanctions will apply to anyone who violates this Code of Conduct, which may include the prohibition to present its work in the congress, the expulsion from the event without a refund, the prohibition to attend future events and/or revoke their membership of the SUB and its sectionals if apply.

This Code of Conduct is in no manner a description of legal obligations. The Directive Commission of the SUB and its sectionals reserve the rights to notify and enforce this Code of Conduct

Note: The implementation mechanisms will be determined before the Congress. We will share this document with the sectionals and invite them to send their representatives to be specially trained and integrate the commission (representatives of all sectionals, from diverse institutions and parity integration)