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Meeting Code of Conduct


Meetings of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences (AChemS) are open to AChemS members and those interested in the science of the chemical senses in any model system. As a society, AChemS is committed to providing a safe, productive and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and staff associated with the meeting. All participants including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, AChemS and related staff, and service providers are expected to abide by the AChemS Meetings Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct applies to all AChemS meeting-related events, including those sponsored by organizations other than AChemS but held in conjunction with AChemS events, in public or private facilities and including any meetings held jointly with partner organizations (for example, the International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste).

Expected Behavior

The following statements identify expected behavior of all associated with AChemS meetings:

  • Treat all participants, attendees, AChemS staff, and vendors with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
  • Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
  • Communicate openly and with respect for others, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
  • Avoid personal attacks directed toward other attendees, participants, AChemS staff and suppliers/vendors.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert AChemS staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
  • Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, AChemS contracted facility, or any other venue.
  • Respect the AChemS policy regarding duplication, recording, and transmission of scientific content from poster or oral presentations, as stated in the current meeting's Program Information. Unless otherwise stated in the Program, such recording and transmission of scientific content to others via social media or other platforms should only occur with the explicit consent of the presenter.

Unacceptable Behavior

The following statements identify behavior that is unacceptable at AChemS meetings and related events. These apply to actions taking place at the meeting venue and meeting hotels, at any time during the scheduled dates of the meeting.

  • Harassment, intimidation or discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.
  • Physical or verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, AChemS staff member, service provider or other meeting guest will not be tolerated.
  • Specific examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to, verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations; threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, AChemS staff member, service provider or other meeting guest.
  • Disruption of talks at oral or poster sessions, in the exhibit hall or at other events organized by AChemS at the meeting venue, hotels, or other AChemS contracted facilities will not be tolerated.

Responses to Unacceptable Behavior

  • Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.
  • AChemS staff (or their designee) or security may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, e.g., a verbal warning, immediate removal from the meeting without warning or refund, or reporting to the offender’s employer.
  • AChemS reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting.
  • If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior or have witnessed any such behavior, please immediately notify an AChemS staff member or AChemS volunteer in a leadership position. The notifier is not required or expected to discuss the concern with the alleged offender. All complaints will be treated seriously and investigated promptly. Confidentiality will be honored to the extent permitted as long as the rights of others are not compromised.

Notification should be done by contacting an AChemS staff person on-site or e-mail your concern to [email protected].

Anyone experiencing or witnessing behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety is advised to contact 911 and locate a house phone, if available, and ask for security.

AChemS shall not be responsible for any defamatory, offensive or illegal conduct of AChemS meeting participants, and shall not be held liable for personal injury, property damage, theft, or damage of any kind suffered by the participants at or in connection with the AChemS meeting.