Skip to content

NOW Code of Conduct

In order to foster an atmosphere that encourages the free expression and exchange of scientific ideas, it is vital that all participants in NOW activities should enjoy an environment free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. To that end, all participants shall participate under the philosophy of equality of opportunity and treatment for all members, regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities, veteran status, or any other reason not related to scientific merit. Bullying or harassment, sexual or otherwise, is a form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of our Network and will not be tolerated.

This policy applies to all Network for Ocean Worlds  interactive spaces, whether in person or on-line and to all , NOW-related emails. Violators of this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal from the NOW network.

If you believe you are being or have witnessed harassment during any NOW activities, please:

  1. Document the incident fully;
  2. Tell someone you trust;
  3. Report the incident to the NOW Co-ordinator, a NOW Co-Lead or a member of the NOW Steering Committee as soon as possible.

Efforts will be made to ensure privacy to the greatest extent possible.

Expected behavior

  1. Treat everyone with respect.
  2. Respect your fellow participants by using good practices for intercultural collaborations.
  3. Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.
  4. Provide your true professional identity, affiliation, and, where appropriate, contact information..
  5. Be mindful of potential acts of plagiarism and copying of presented materials and ideas as indicated by AGU’s Guidelines on Photography and Social Media, including knowing when you may need to obtain permission regarding use of prepared materials.
  6. Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, contracted facility, online platform, or any other venue.
  7. Be accountable: If any  NOW  co-leads or steering committee members fail to meet these guidelines, the NOW RCN leadership will work together to identify problems, and perform corrective actions.

Examples of unacceptable behavior

  • Promoting or participating in harassment, bullying, discrimination, or intimidation on-site, online, and/or on social media.
  • Verbal, written, or other forms of abuse of any other NOW network member or affiliate.
  • Examples of abuse include, but are not limited to, verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations.
  • Threatening or stalking in-person or online.
  • Disruption or disallowing participation by others.
  • Criminal offenses.
  • Failure to follow NOW activity protocols.
  • Physical or verbal abuse, including attacks on ideas vs. respectful, disagreeing dialogue.
  • Use of social or mainstream media to target individual actions of participants in a way that could harm their privacy or professional status or open them to slander or libel.
  • Knowingly violating copyright, or copying presenter information without obtaining permission, if necessary, as outlined in AGU’s Guidelines on Photography and Social Media.

Consequences and reporting of unacceptable behavior

Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. Anyone violating the Code of Conduct may be removed from the current NOW activity. Egregious behavior may result in bans from future NASA-supported meetings or other sanctions, depending on the specifics, as set forth in the AGU Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics Policy, as applicable.

If you experience or witness behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety at an on-site meeting, contact 911 or if in a convention center, locate a house phone and ask for security. Please report other incidents or suspected incidents to a member of the NOW leadership team or of the NOW Steering Committee  Committee.