Building A Welcoming Scientific Community At ISABC 2023
A symposium code of conduct gives participants a shared standard for professional behaviour. At the 16th International Symposium on Applied Bioinorganic Chemistry in Ioannina, it supports a research environment where discussion can be rigorous, disagreement can be respectful, and every delegate can take part without intimidation or exclusion.
Inclusivity is practical as well as ethical. It affects how people register, submit abstracts, ask questions, move through venues, share accommodation concerns, and respond when something goes wrong. For Australian researchers travelling to Greece, these expectations provide useful guidance before departure and during the busy rhythm of presentations, poster sessions, receptions, and informal conversations.
Why A Code Of Conduct Matters
Scientific conferences bring together people with different career stages, disciplines, cultures, languages, and levels of authority. A senior investigator, a doctoral student, a laboratory technician, and an industry delegate may read the same interaction differently because their professional risks are not equal.
A code of conduct sets boundaries around harassment, discrimination, bullying, unwanted sexual attention, aggressive behaviour, and inappropriate comments. It also encourages constructive debate about methods and results. Challenging a conclusion is part of science; belittling the person presenting it is not.
For Australian attendees, the principle will feel familiar from university research-integrity policies and workplace health and safety expectations. “Having a yarn” after a talk can be friendly, yet humour or directness should never be used to pressure someone who has signalled discomfort.
Expectations For Everyday Participation
Respect begins before the first plenary. Use a person’s stated name and pronouns, avoid assumptions about nationality or expertise, and allow presenters to finish before raising a point. Questions should address the research rather than a speaker’s appearance, accent, age, family status, or career path.
Poster discussions deserve the same care as formal sessions. Ask whether a presenter is available before launching into a long critique, and do not photograph unpublished material without permission. If a conversation becomes crowded, make room for early-career scientists and delegates who may need more time to speak in English.
Accessibility also requires attention to practical details. A participant may need seating, captioning, a quiet break, dietary accommodation, or assistance navigating the venue. Treat these requests as ordinary participation needs rather than special favours, just as an Australian conference in Brisbane, Perth, or Canberra would be expected to provide reasonable access.
Handling Concerns Responsibly
If conduct causes concern, the safest response depends on the situation. A person who feels able to do so may state a clear boundary, move away, or seek support from a colleague. Witnesses can help by checking in privately, recording relevant details, and directing the affected person to the appropriate symposium contact.
Reports should be handled discreetly and without retaliation. Avoid investigating the matter yourself, circulating rumours, or demanding that someone explain a personal experience in public. The official secretariat, Zita Congress & Event Management, is identified for registration, accommodation, and abstract-related enquiries, while serious conduct concerns should be directed through the event’s designated reporting pathway.
The symposium website should be checked for current event information and contact details. Australian delegates should also account for the time difference with Greece when seeking help from colleagues back home, particularly when travelling from Western Australia or regional and remote areas.
A Practical Guide For Delegates
The following summary turns broad principles into actions that are easy to apply during the symposium.
| Situation | Constructive approach | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Asking a question | Keep it relevant, concise, and evidence-based | Turning the question into a personal challenge |
| Discussing unpublished work | Request permission before sharing or photographing it | Posting images or results online without consent |
| Meeting new people | Introduce yourself and respect signals about time or privacy | Pressuring someone to continue a conversation |
| Addressing access needs | Contact organisers early and state the support required | Treating an adjustment as an inconvenience |
| Witnessing harmful conduct | Offer private support and report through the proper channel | Confronting, gossiping, or retaliating |
| Social events | Respect alcohol choices, boundaries, and personal space | Assuming hospitality creates social or romantic obligation |
Conference networking often continues over coffee, dinner, or a walk through Ioannina. A relaxed setting does not suspend professional responsibilities. People may choose not to drink, leave early, discuss work, or share personal information, and those choices should be accepted without teasing.
Supporting Early-Career And International Scientists
Young scientist travel awards, scholarships, and poster prizes can make a major difference to participation. Recognition should be based on merit and clear criteria, with opportunities communicated in language that applicants can understand. Early-career researchers should be able to seek advice without feeling that a mistake will damage their reputation.
Abstract preparation is one area where inclusive practice matters. Requirements, deadlines, authorship expectations, and presentation formats should be stated plainly. Delegates can review the abstract submission guidance and contact the relevant organisers if they need clarification about formatting, accessibility, or authorship.
A useful learning mindset is to treat unfamiliar customs as something to navigate rather than judge. Resources such as this learning resource may help frame broader conversations about education and participation, although symposium-specific instructions should always take priority.
Turning Principles Into Conference Culture
Inclusivity is created through repeated small decisions: inviting a quieter colleague into a discussion, acknowledging a contribution accurately, pronouncing names carefully, and giving credit when an idea comes from a junior researcher. Chairs and speakers have particular influence because they control time, visibility, and the tone of debate.
Australian participants may be used to plain speaking, first-name introductions, and informal conversations with senior academics. Those habits can be valuable, but they should be adapted to the comfort and cultural expectations of an international audience. A friendly “no worries” approach works best when paired with attentiveness and accountability.
Before travelling, read the symposium information, note the relevant contact points, and discuss expectations with your research group. During the event, participate generously, protect confidential work, and act promptly if behaviour conflicts with a safe and respectful scientific environment. Register through the official channels, prepare your accessibility or dietary requests early, and help make ISABC 2023 a place where good science and inclusive participation strengthen each other.