The Code of Conduct defines the behaviour of people within the ET collaboration. It is the foundation of the Collaboration. The ET Collaboration strives for workplaces free from discrimination and harassment. It is the policy of the Collaborations that all members will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Members will treat each other with respect and consideration to create a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment. Creating a supportive environment to enable scientific discourse is the responsibility of all members. Members will avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, or educational background. Disruptive or harassing behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment includes but is not limited to inappropriate or intimidating behaviour and language, unwelcome jokes or comments, unwanted touching or attention, offensive images, unwelcome photography, and stalking. Disruptive behaviour includes instances of disrespect and lack of civility in interactions with colleagues. All members are expected at all times to deal with and address their fellow colleagues with respect and courtesy. This includes but is not limited to, behaviour in in-person meetings, virtual (remote) meetings, chats, social media, email communication and other communication formats.
Any professional relationship or action that may result in a conflict of interest in the context of ET must be fully disclosed. When objectivity and effectiveness cannot be maintained, the activity should be avoided or discontinued.
The ET Collaboration also will not tolerate instances of scientific misconduct, which is characterised by any of fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing or performing research in the ET Collaboration. Fabrication means making up data or results. Falsification means manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record. Knowingly reporting or reproducing fabricated or falsified results of others is also considered as misconduct. Plagiarism means the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.
Violations of this code of conduct policy should be reported as soon as possible to meeting organisers, working group chairs, or the ET Leadership – whatever is most appropriate in the situation. If desired/required, the Ombudsperson (see section F) can be called on and assist in finding an appropriate complaints procedure.
Any violations of the Code of Conduct will be pursued through discussion with the party or parties involved, if desired, with the help of a mediator chosen by the disputing parties. Significant violations can result in immediate consequences in access to ET Collaboration activities; repeated marginal violations will also be addressed. Sanctions for violations of this Code of Conduct will be determined following the grievance procedure and may result, in severe cases, in the permanent exclusion of an individual or group from the ET collaboration.
Conflicts which cannot be resolved through collaboration procedures will be referred to the institution of the person(s) who may have violated the Code of Conduct. The Collaboration may take action based on the institution’s findings. Retaliation for complaints of inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. If a member observes inappropriate comments or actions and personal intervention seems appropriate and safe, they should be considerate of all parties before intervening. This Code of Conduct is the defining document for the ET Collaboration.
"The Einstein Telescope Scientific Collaboration Bylaws"; The ET Collaboration Board; September 2023
