Code of Conduct

The International Mycorrhiza Society (IMS) and the local organising committee of the International Conference on Mycorrhiza (ICOM) acknowledge ongoing barriers to participating in science. These include systemic racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination both in Australia and in the research and academic communities globally. We are taking part in actively working to address these and are committed to upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion and seek to create and foster a safe, welcoming space for all of our members at ICOM2026.

To achieve this, we expect our members and delegates to:

  • Communicate openly, with kindness and respect.
  • Critique ideas, not people.
  • Avoid personal attacks and discriminatory remarks.
  • Respect the rules and policies of the conference venues.
  • Behave respectfully towards local cultures and communities.
  • Report any unsafe, inappropriate, or distressful situations to ICOM organizers or venue staff.

Unacceptable behavior includes any form of harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, or physical or verbal abuse of anyone, in person or online. Harassment is defined as systematic, continued, unwanted or annoying actions of one party to another. Sexual harassment is unwelcome verbal, written, or physical attention (including actions designed to intimidate or coerce), such as unwanted and unnecessary physical contact, unwanted comments, suggestions, or questions regarding sexual activity, and using degrading words, images, or sounds to describe a person.

Examples of these unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Offensive remarks or gestures related to ethnicity, religion, disability, health condition, appearance, gender, sexual orientation, family, career, or social status.
  • Inappropriate or unwanted physical contact or sexual attention.
  • Use of sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces or in presentations.
  • Bullying behavior, including using perceived superior status or rank to embarrass, belittle or humiliate.
  • Advocating for or encouraging any of the above-mentioned behaviors.
  • Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior.

Consumption of alcohol in moderation is permitted at conference events where served under appropriate state licenses, but intoxication or impairment is not an excuse for unacceptable behavior (Note: recreational use of cannabis is not legal in Queensland). Unacceptable behavior, explained as attempted humor or disguised as humor, still constitutes unacceptable behavior, as defined above.

Reporting misconduct and the response process

If you experience or witness unacceptable behavior, please contact the organizers directly or submit a report to: codeofconduct@mycorrhizas.org. Complaints should be lodged as soon as possible to enable timely resolution. However, complaints may be submitted for up to 90 days following the conference, until 15th November 2026.

All complaints will be reviewed confidentially by a committee appointed by the IMS Board and the ICOM 2026 Local Organising Committee (hereafter “the Committee”). The Committee may gather additional information but will not require direct confrontation of the two parties (i.e., potential offender, referred to as “respondent” below, and the complainant or victim). Anonymous complaints will be documented, but cannot always lead to formal action without corroboration.

In assessing complaints, the Committee will adhere to the principles of natural justice:

  • all parties have the right to be heard,
  • no pre-judging of outcomes,
  • no bias or personal motives, and
  • a flexible, fair response appropriate to the circumstances.

Draft and final decisions, as well as any related documents, will remain confidential to the extent permitted by law. Unless the Committee decides otherwise, all such materials issued to the complainant or respondent must be treated as confidential by the recipient. ICOM and the IMS are not liable for any costs incurred by either the complainant or respondent during the investigation of a potential breach of this Code of Conduct.

The Committee is responsible for determining and implementing appropriate responses or sanctions, which may include verbal or written warnings, removal from the conference, or suspension of IMS membership.

In serious cases, the IMS Board may suspend or revoke membership in accordance with the IMS Bylaw. Members will be notified in writing and given the opportunity to respond before a final decision is made. Full details of these procedures can be found under ‘Code of Conduct for IMS Membership’ https://mycorrhizas.org/about-us/.

Behavior potentially in breach of the law will be referred to the Queensland Police without exception.

By participating in ICOM2026, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and contribute to a respectful, collaborative environment where all members of our community can thrive.