Code of Conduct

The organizers of the 4th Global Soil Biodiversity Conference are strongly committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We openly acknowledge ongoing barriers, including systemic racism and other forms of discrimination, in Canadian, and in the global research community and academy. We have strived to bring together an organizing committee and prominent keynote speakers at the conference, who represents diverse backgrounds and important perspectives.

The Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative and the Local Organizing Committee for the 4th Global Soil Biodiversity Conference are committed to creating an event that fosters an inclusive, respectful, healthy, and safe environment, where everyone is treated with fairness and dignity.

We welcome and encourage participation by all individuals from our soil biodiversity community, regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental differences, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or subculture.

The conference code of conduct reflects these principles and applies to all activities that are organized as part of the GSB2026 meeting in Victoria, Canada. A commitment from all participants to uphold the code of conduct will enable a safe, open, and productive exchange of scientific ideas, benefiting all attendees. By attending this event, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. This code applies to your interactions with all participants, including, but not limited to: attendees, speakers, staff, service providers, vendors, sponsors, and guests.

Expected Behaviour

To create and foster a safe and welcoming environment for the diverse attendees at GSB2026, we expect all attendees to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and appropriate. Expected behaviour includes:

  • Treating all other participants with kindness, respect, and consideration.
  • Alerting the meeting organizers or venue staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
  • Adhering to the venue’s rules and policies.

Encouraged Behaviour

  • Foster an atmosphere of inclusiveness and belonging, treating all participants with kindness, respect, and consideration and valuing a diversity of views and opinions, including minority, unpopular, or controversial points of view that you may not share.
  • Interact with others in ways that reflect the uniqueness, experiences, and worth of others. If you are unsure what a person or a specific community prefers to be called, simply ask: “How would you like to be addressed?”
  • Communicate in an open, compassionate, and positive manner by using transparent and kind communication. This can be done by avoiding a negative tone and critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
  • Think before you speak. Be mindful of those around you, and choose your words with kindness, thoughtfulness, and care.
  • Acknowledge the opinions, skills, and contributions of others.
  • Provide encouragement, help, support, or mentorship to other participants, if needed.
  • Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, contracted facilities, field trips or any other venue.
  • Respect the confidentiality of other participant members regarding photographs and video recordings. Presenters are asked to declare at the opening of their presentation or clearly on their poster if they are opposed to having photographs or recordings of their presentation.

Unacceptable Behaviour

Harassment in any form will not be tolerated. Harassment is defined as systematic, continued, unwanted, and annoying actions by one party against another.

Harassment includes but is not limited to: offensive gestures or speech related to ethnicity, religion, disability, health condition, appearance, gender, sexual orientation, family status, career status, or social status, as well as deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, unwanted photography or recording, sustained disruption of presentations and events, unwelcome attention or physical contact. This includes sexual harassment which is unwelcome verbal, written, or physical attention (including actions designed to intimidate or coerce), and includes unwanted and unnecessary touching or other physical contact, comments, suggestions, or questions regarding sexual activity, and using degrading words, images, or sounds to describe a person.

Individuals who are asked to stop harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

Other examples of unacceptable behaviour include:

  • Physical or verbal abuse of any participant.
  • Real or implied threats of physical harm.
  • Unwelcome or offensive verbal comments or exclusionary behavior related to age, appearance, body size, employment status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, individual lifestyle, marital status, national origin, physical or cognitive ability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, race, or religion.
  • Inappropriate physical contact.
  • Engaging in discrimination against persons or groups.
  • Use of sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces or in presentations.
  • Bullying behaviour.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
  • Retaliation for reporting of unacceptable behaviour.
  • Advocating for or encouraging any of the behaviours mentioned above.

Unacceptable behaviour, whether explained as attempted humour or disguised as such, still constitutes unacceptable behaviour as defined above.

Impairment from alcohol, cannabis, or illegal substances is not an excuse for unacceptable behaviour.

We are committed to ensuring the 4th Global Soil Biodiversity conference is a welcoming, productive, and inclusive event.  Please do not hesitate to contact the Local Organizing Committee with any concerns or suggestions. We appreciate your support and understanding.