Code of Conduct and Policies

The Zusman Neural Network maintains a list of policies that prove the foundation for a safe and productive event for communities of researchers. By registering and attending a Zusman event, attendees agree to review and comply with the code of conduct and policies outlined below as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

 

Code of Conduct

We are fully committed to providing an event environment that fosters a culture of safety and is free from all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation, including harassment made illegal by federal and state law.

 

To ensure this culture is maintained and an environment that cultivates positive interactions, the Zusman organizers will meet at least once before an event to review the Safety Policy and Plan.

 

At all Zusman Neural Network events, we will:

• Lead by example.
• Have access to and understand the Zusman Code of Conduct and Policies.
• Assist in maintaining safe spaces for everyone.
• Treat others with courtesy and respect in all interactions.
• Eliminate harassing or discriminatory conduct, unwanted touching, or comments that are sexual, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory.
• Report unsafe situations, any instances of harassment or discrimination, as necessary.
• Assist in the documentation and reporting of such matters as they occur.
• Maintain appropriate professionalism and confidentiality.

 

Further, each and every Zusman attendee is responsible for preventing harassment by:

1. Treating others with courtesy and respect in all interactions.
2. Eliminating harassing conduct, unwanted touching, or comments that are sexual, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory.
3. Reporting harassment to either the Zusman Workshop organizers and/or Steering Committee members so that each concern can be investigated promptly and resolved appropriately.

 

The Zusman Neural Network values the participation and experiences of all attendees at Zusman events. We encourage attendees to report unwelcome or unsafe experiences to the proper authorities. We strive to create a productive, professional, and welcoming space for scientific collaboration.

 

To maintain a safe and professional environment, the Zusman Neural Network does not tolerate illegal or unprofessional behavior at any Zusman event, including violations of local laws, destruction of property, harassment or discrimination of any kind, and assault. Accusations are taken seriously and reviewed and a case-by-case basis. Violations may result in expulsion from events and the attendee(s) being banned from all future Zusman events.

 

If attendees experience unwelcome or unsafe situations, attendees should contact appropriate authorities. Attendees can confidentially report alleged violations to the conference organizers via email at cnr@houstonmethodist.org. These messages will be privately reviewed by the workshop organizers as needed. Attendees can also report alleged violations in person to any of the workshop organizers.

 

In addition, the following resources are available for all Zusman attendees:

1. The Office of Civil Rights website is an additional resource for attendees who have questions, concerns, or complaints related to harassment. Attendees can file a civil rights complaint through the OCR.
2. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides a web portal where anyone who experiences concerns that harassment, including sexual harassment, discrimination, or other forms of inappropriate conduct that has affected an NIH-supported conference (e.g., the Zusman Workshop) can notify the NIH (anonymously, if preferred). Attendees can also contact the NIH by phone at (301) 480-6701.

We welcome feedback and suggestions on how to further improve safety efforts for attendees participating in our events. Please contact us with any feedback, suggestions, questions, or concerns regarding Zusman events.