IAU Code of Conduct

All CAP Conference Participants must accept the IAU Code of Conduct in order to register.

Please Read the Full IAU Code of Conduct here on IAU.org.
(You can also access the RTF version here and PDF version here.)

Rules of Conduct

NOTE: Reading this page does not exempt you from reading the Full IAU Code of Conduct.

1. Conduct Towards Others
Everyone involved in activities of the IAU should treat others with professional respect and equal consideration in both written and spoken communication. Astronomers should work to provide an environment that encourages the free expression and exchange of scientific ideas. They should promote equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all their colleagues, regardless of gender, race, ethnic and national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or any other reason not related to scientific merit.

2. Harassment
Abusive, demeaning, humiliating, or intimidating behaviour or abuses of power are unacceptable. The IAU Anti-harassment Policy is part of the IAU Code of Conduct and covers all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment, verbal abuse and bullying (see Code of Conduct Part B). This IAU Ethics Policy, also part of the Code of Conduct, implicitly includes all the provisions of the IAU Anti-harassment Policy.

3. Statement of Anti-harassment Policy
It is the policy of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) that all participants in IAU activities will enjoy an environment free from all forms of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. As a professional Union, the IAU is committed to providing an atmosphere that encourages the free expression and exchange of scientific ideas. In pursuit of that ideal, the IAU is dedicated to the philosophy of equality of opportunity and treatment for all members, regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, race, colour, 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. Harassment, sexual or otherwise, is a form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of IAU meetings. Violators of this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions (see Appendix B of the IAU Code of Conduct).

4. Reporting an Incident of Harassment during an IAU Activity
In the eventuality of a clear case of verbal harassment during a scientific session, the Chairperson(s) should act immediately to stop it. If the situation deteriorates, he/she should ask the people involved to leave the session and if they do not comply remove the participant from the session.
Any individual covered by this policy who believes that he or she has been subjected to harassment should report the incident. If any form of harassment occurs in a less openly visible way (e.g. during social activities or informal gatherings), the affected person and/or witness should immediately report it to one of the Organizers or to one of the designated “responsible individuals” for the meeting/IAU activity.
In the event that one of the organizers is the alleged offender, the individual may contact one of the designated “responsible individuals” or directly contact the IAU General Secretary for further guidance.

Reporting @CAP Conference 2021
If you are being harassed by an attendee of the CAP Conference 2021, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact our liaison Lina Canas (lina.canas@nao.ac.jp) or, if you feel comfortable, email the organisers at cap2021@oao.iau.org.

The IAU will not tolerate any form of retaliation against persons who file a complaint or assist in the investigation. Retaliation is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment or discrimination itself, will be subject to disciplinary action.