Code of Conduct

Comparative Genomics of Unicellular Eukaryotes · 5–10 October 2026, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain

Our commitment

This conference exists to bring scientists together to share their work, exchange ideas freely, and build the collaborations that move our field forward. We are committed to providing a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for everyone who takes part.

We welcome all participants regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, national or social origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, religion or belief, or the political system under which they live and work. Scientific merits and mutual respect are the only things we ask of those who join us.

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants — attendees, speakers, poster presenters, session chairs, organizers, volunteers, exhibitors, and sponsors — across all conference spaces, including scientific sessions, poster areas, social events, online platforms, and any associated communications.

Expected behavior

We ask everyone taking part to:

Treat all participants with respect, courtesy, and good faith, including in scientific disagreement.
Engage with ideas critically and generously and critique the work rather than the person presenting it.
Be mindful that participants come from many countries, cultures, career stages, and backgrounds, and that our shared language of science is not everyone’s first language.
Respect the privacy of others, and seek consent before photographing, recording, or sharing another participant’s work or words.
Follow the instructions of organizers and venue staff, particularly regarding safety.

The following will not be tolerated in any conference space:

Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form, including on any of the grounds listed above.
Unwelcome sexual attention or advances, and any form of sexual harassment.
Verbal, written, or physical abuse, threats, or sustained disruption of talks or events.
Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith.

Individuals, not states

Science is an international endeavor, and this meeting is a scientific gathering rather than a political organization. We hold individual researchers accountable for their own conduct — never for the actions of their governments, institutions, or states. No participant will be excluded, singled out, or treated with suspicion on the basis of their nationality or the country in which they work. We recognize that many scientists carry out their work under difficult, constrained, or repressive conditions, often at personal cost, and we regard our meeting as a place where they remain welcomed.

Solidarity with those under oppression

Our commitment to individual scientists does not imply neutrality toward violence or repression. We stand in solidarity with all people subjected to war, occupation, authoritarianism, and the suppression of academic freedom, wherever they are, and with scientists everywhere who face persecution, censorship, or exile for their work or their convictions.

We draw a clear and deliberate distinction between condemning the actions of states and welcoming the individuals who live under them. Support for oppressed communities and respect for individual researchers are, in our view, two expressions of the same principle: that science belongs to people, and that people are not their governments.

Reporting a concern

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, or have any related concern, you can raise it in whichever way feels most comfortable to you:

Anonymous online form: You can report confidentially, and anonymously if you prefer, using our reporting form at https://forms.gle/tjBsBPtEC9Z8Mdmd7. You do not need to give your name or contact details, though you may if you would like us to follow up with you.
In person: Speak to any organizer or staff member (identifiable by [badge/lanyard]).
By email: Contact us at cgue2026@aimgroup.eu, or reach our designated contacts directly — Laura Eme (eme@uri.edu) and Courtney Stairs (courtney.stairs@icm.uu.se).

Reports will be handled discreetly and taken seriously. We will listen, respect your privacy, and support you in deciding how you wish to proceed. You are welcome to bring a colleague or companion with you when raising a concern. Please note that the online form is not monitored in real time; if you or someone else needs urgent help, please contact venue security or local emergency services, or find a member of the organizing team in person.

We are grateful to everyone who helps make this meeting a place where all scientists can do their best work and feel genuinely welcomed.