Code of Conduct

Volunteer/National Meeting Attendee Conduct Policy

It is the policy of the Society for Biomaterials (SFB) that all individuals are entitled to respectful treatment. SFB affirms its obligation and commitment to foster and support a professional environment in which to carry out our mission, recognizing that failure to meet this obligation and commitment harms our profession, our professional credibility, the well-being of individuals, and the broader communities in which we live and work. Accordingly, and to foster a positive environment, the SFB Board of Directors has issued this Conduct Policy.

This policy applies to all attendees at Society activities, including scientists, students, guests, staff, contractors, and exhibitors, participating in the scientific sessions, tours, and social events of any SFB meeting or other activity. By obtaining SFB membership, registering to present or attend SFB meetings, members and participants commit to maintaining respectful and ethical relationships in accordance with this policy.

Expected Behavior at SFB Meetings and Events

• Treat all participants, attendees, SFB staff, and vendors with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
• Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
• Communicate openly with respect for others, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
• Avoid any personal attacks directed toward other attendees, participants, SFB staff, and suppliers/vendors.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert SFB staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
• Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, SFB contracted facility, or any other venue.

Unacceptable Behavior at SFB Meetings and Events

• Harassment (including sexual harassment), bullying, or discrimination in any form will not be tolerated including, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; unwelcome sexual attention; or advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
• Physical or verbal abuse or harassment of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, staff member, service provider, or other meeting guest, also will not be tolerated.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to, offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, or socioeconomic class; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations; or threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, SFB staff member, service provider, or other meeting guest.

This conduct policy establishes guidelines for appropriate behavior for SFB members and issues a call for continuing awareness and education. Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. The Society will not tolerate sexual harassment or sexual assault of SFB Meeting participants (including, but not limited to attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff members, service providers, or other meeting guests) in any form. SFB is not an adjudicating body; however, SFB reserves the right to remove an individual violating this policy from the Annual Meeting without warning or refund, and prohibit attendance at future SFB meetings, programs, and/or activities.

We gratefully acknowledge American Anthropological Association for the content for this policy.