Elsevier Conferences Code of Conduct: For all participants of Elsevier organized events

Elsevier is committed to creating a safe, enjoyable, and professional conference environment where mutual trust, diversity and inclusion are valued, and where everyone is entitled to be treated with courtesy and respect. Harassment of attendees in any form will not be tolerated and we expect all participants to adhere to the following:

• Harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes are not appropriate. This includes, but is not limited to: disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention, deliberate intimidation, stalking, and photography or recording of an individual without consent. It also includes offensive comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.

• Discourse and discussion are positively encouraged however all communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Sexual or sexist language and imagery is not appropriate.

• Interventions should be respectful and not insult or put down other participants of the event.

• Should participants witness events of bullying, harassment or aggression, Elsevier recommends that they approach the affected person to show support and check how they are. The witness may also wish to suggest that the person report the inappropriate behavior. However, it is up to the affected person alone whether or not they wish to report it.

Any participant asked to stop any inappropriate behavior is expected to comply immediately. Participants violating these rules may be asked to leave the conference, at the sole discretion of Elsevier staff, without a refund of any charge. Any participant who wishes to report a violation of this policy is asked to speak, in confidence, to the Elsevier organizing team.