On-site safety team
Members of the safety team will be at the registration desk throughout the conference and identifiable by their badges. Speak to any of them in person at any time, or ask any member of conference staff to find one for you.
Code of conduct
A conference where everyone can do their best work.
AXIS 2027 brings together researchers, engineers, students, operators and policymakers from many countries and career stages. We expect everyone to treat each other with respect, and we act quickly when someone does not.
Our commitment
Inclusive and harassment-free
Bon Accord Symposia Ltd is committed to making AXIS 2027 welcoming and free from harassment for everyone, whatever their age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy or parental status, marital status, appearance, career stage, institution or employer.
This code applies to all delegates, speakers, session chairs, reviewers, partners, exhibitors, volunteers, staff and guests. It covers every part of the conference, including sessions, the exhibition, the Burns Night welcome reception, the gala dinner, technical visits and any other social events.
Online as well as in person
The code applies equally to the virtual platform, live-stream chat, question tools, conference email lists and messaging groups, and to social media posts about the conference or its participants. A remote talk or chat message is held to the same standard as one given in the room.
What we expect
- Be respectful and considerate in discussion, including when you disagree. Challenge ideas, not people.
- Give everyone room to speak, and keep questions short so others can ask theirs.
- Respect the confidentiality of unpublished work, and ask before photographing or sharing someone else's slides or posters.
- Respect people's choices about photography, as shown on their badge.
- Look out for each other. If you see something that concerns you, tell the safety team.
- Follow the venue's rules and any instructions from conference staff.
What is not acceptable
- Harassment, intimidation or discrimination in any form.
- Offensive or demeaning comments, jokes or imagery about any of the characteristics listed above.
- Unwelcome sexual attention, physical contact or sexualised language and imagery.
- Stalking, following, or deliberately disrupting talks, sessions or online discussions.
- Photographing, recording or sharing someone without their consent, or publishing someone's personal details.
- Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern or helps with an investigation.
- Abusive, threatening or harassing messages on the virtual platform, by email or on social media.
Partners and exhibitors are also covered. Stand materials, promotional content and staff behaviour must meet this code.
Reporting a concern
If something happens, tell us. We will listen.
You can report something that happened to you or something you saw. Reports are handled in confidence by a small group of designated organisers. You do not need to be certain that the code was breached before you report.
By email
Write to hello@axis2027.example with "Code of conduct" in the subject line. Use this before, during or after the conference, including for anything that happens online.
On the virtual platform
Virtual delegates can message a session moderator or email us. Moderators can remove messages and participants straight away while a report is looked at.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 for UK emergency services first, then contact the safety team when it is safe to do so. We can help you contact venue security, the police or support services, and we can arrange an escort or a quiet space.
Enforcement
What happens after a report.
Every report is taken seriously. We act in proportion to what happened, with the safety of the person affected as our first concern.
How we handle it
- We listen, record what you tell us, and agree with you on next steps.
- We share details only with the people who need them to act, and never name the person who reported without their agreement, unless the law requires it.
- Where appropriate, we hear from the person reported before deciding on action.
- We tell the person who reported what action we have taken.
Actions we may take
- A warning, or a request to stop the behaviour immediately.
- Removing content, ending a talk or session, or removing someone from the virtual platform.
- Asking someone to leave the conference without a refund.
- Withdrawing an award, or excluding someone from future events run by Bon Accord Symposia Ltd.
- Informing the person's institution, employer or the police, where appropriate.
This code may be updated as conference arrangements are confirmed. Questions about it are welcome at hello@axis2027.example.
Need to talk to someone?
We are here to help, before, during and after the conference.
Contact the organising team in confidence, or read the FAQ for practical information about accessibility and support.