Code of Practice

The ALBA Network was founded on the principles of promoting diversity and equity in brain sciences. The ALBA network believes that diversity is a fundamental component of excellence in brain sciences, and that access to education, training, resources, mentorship- and jobs should be based on an individual's potential, not on their sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion- or culture. However, we know inequities exist, and talented scientists are excluded from opportunities in brain sciences because of these factors and personal choices that bear no relationship to their potential to succeed. 

ALBA recognises the geographical, cultural and historical differences in the groups of individuals that are underrepresented across countries and within subfields of brain sciences. We expect the scientific community to present at least the same or even a greater diversity than in their respective countries. We are committed to supporting and advocating for actions and policies that foster equity, diversity- and inclusion in brain sciences across the globe.

All ALBA members are requested to follow this engagement when organizing and attending ALBA activities. ALBA also encourages their members to follow this engagement outside of the ALBA Network sphere.

By being part of the ALBA community, you are required to treat all fellow members with respect, civility and fairness. When organizing or attending ALBA activities (online and on-site) you are required to follow the conduct described below at any time.

Online activities

Respect of event management

All online ALBA events are moderated. Speakers as well as participants are expected to respect all decisions in terms of time management and selection of questions made by the moderator. 

Avoid noise disturbance

Participants are requested to mute their microphone during the lecture unless they are invited to actively participate.

Recording 

Unless expressed officially through live chat or email correspondence, any recording, filming, photography, screenshots or other capturing of presentations, live sessions or other events coordinated by ALBA, is prohibited.

ALBA always records its online events. Please be aware that this includes private chats and messages sent using the online event platform.

On-site activities

Facilities and equipment

Members are expected to use all ALBA facilities, equipment, computers, supplies and resources responsibly and appropriately. In case of malfunction or breakage of any of the resources above mentioned, members should inform promptly the relevant ALBA representative.

Electronic devices 

Mobile phones and other electronic devices must be set to silent mode during the lectures.

Smoking 

Smoking is prohibited inside the venues, except in designated smoking areas where applicable. Smoking outside is permitted according to the specific guidelines of the venue.

Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol during informal discussions, evening seminars and gatherings is allowed. Participants, however, are expected to drink in moderation and responsibly. Individuals that are visibly under the influence of alcohol or other legal or illegal substances will be escorted out of the venue.

Harassment and misconduct in any form are not tolerated in the ALBA Network community. Examples are:

Abuse of Power

Abuse of power is where someone uses their position of power or authority in an unacceptable manner. Abuse of power can take various forms and may include, but is not limited to, grooming, manipulation, coercion, putting pressure on others to engage in conduct they do not feel comfortable with, etc.

The above behaviours may be expressed in person, in writing and/or by electronic means.

Bullying

Bullying occurs when someone engages in intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive behaviour, through means which have the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity,  isolating or excluding them or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading or humiliating environment. Bullying usually involves a repeated course of conduct.

Discrimination

It is not tolerated to treat any person unfairly or less favourably on the basis of a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including ethnic origin, nationality and colour), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. 

Harassment

Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person. The unwanted conduct can be physical, verbal or non-verbal, including written and electronic communication, and may occur between persons of the same or different genders.

The use of the term “unwanted” should be underlined, as harassment is characterized not by the intention of the acting person, but rather by the way the targeted person perceives the behaviour.
 

Sexual misconduct

Sexual misconduct is a form of harassment and is unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. It can include: sexual harassment, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, grooming, coercion or bullying with sexual elements, sexual invitations and demands, sexual comments, sexual non-verbal communication, creation of atmospheres of discomfort, and promised resources or advancement in exchange for sexual access.

Stalking

Following a person, watching or spying on them or forcing unwanted contact with the victim through any means, including social media. The effect of such behaviour is to curtail a victim's freedom, leaving them feeling that they constantly have to be careful. In many cases, the conduct might appear innocent (if it were to be taken in isolation), but when carried out repeatedly so as to amount to a course of conduct, it may then cause significant alarm, harassment or distress to the victim.

Activity disruptions 

Sustained disturbances and interruptions of events (on-site or online).

The ALBA Network is committed to preventing incidents of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct within and outside of its network. Agreeing to the Code of Practice is a condition to become an ALBA Network member.

Each member of the ALBA Network is expected to contribute to preventing unacceptable behaviours - including harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct - through self-awareness and by modelling positive behaviour for others.

The ALBA Network also commits to make available timely support for those who have been affected by such behaviours; and to provide prompt methods of investigation and resolution to stop bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct, to remedy any harm, and to prevent its recurrence.
 

An ALBA member affected by, or who feels to have witnessed, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct or any breach of the ALBA Code of Practice may make a complaint by using any of the following preferred pathways for resolution:

• Filling in the ALBA Reporting a breach of Code of Practice form.
• Contacting the Alba Office: email info@alba.network or phone +32(0)2/545.04.06, person of reference: Mathilde Maughan (her/she)