
Code of Conduct/Allies
SMBE Code of Conduct
SMBE 2025 attendees are expected to adhere to SMBE's Code of Conduct.
SMBE is dedicated to providing a safe, hospitable, and productive environment for all members. Accordingly, SMBE prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment (including among members, volunteers, and staff) in all Society activities, including events (online or in person), journal correspondence, social media, etc). Behaviour that undermines the integrity of intellectual discourse is an impediment to scientific progress and will not be tolerated. Unacceptable treatment of others includes (but is not limited to) harassment, stalking, belittling, discrimination, bullying/intimidation, assault, trolling, and retaliation (see above link for descriptions). Any misconduct on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or other descriptive categories will not be tolerated.
If you need to report an incident, please contact our Safety Officer, Paula Brantner using one of the following channels:
- ⋇ Report Form: https://bit.ly/SMBE25ConductReport (Please note that this is linked to a Google Spreadsheet, you may need VPN to access it)
- ⋇ WhatsApp phone or text: Paula Brantner
- ⋇ Email: safeconferencs@gmail.com
Report Form QR Code:

SMBE Allies
At the SMBE 2025 meeting in Beijing, China, you will notice some attendees wearing a ribbon indicating their status as SMBE Allies. These allies are trained to provide support to those who are victims or witnesses of inappropriate behavior that may violate the SMBE Code of Conduct. Their role is to listen, help affected individuals deal with the situation and provide them with information about their options, including the possibility of filing complaints. However, the allies are not involved in investigations or the imposition of sanctions. In addition, they are committed to creating safe spaces by acting as active observers during the event.