The VIII Photonics Meets Biology Summer School is committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and respectful environment that supports the free exchange of scientific ideas.

All participants, including attendees, speakers, organizers, and staff, are expected to behave professionally and to treat one another with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

Unacceptable behavior

The Summer School strictly prohibits any form of harassment, discrimination, bullying, or other abusive conduct.

This includes, but is not limited to, behavior based on gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic unrelated to scientific merit or professional conduct.

Unacceptable conduct also includes intimidation, unwanted verbal or physical behavior, offensive remarks or materials, and any actions that may create a hostile, unsafe, or unwelcoming environment.

Reporting incidents

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to report it to the organizing committee as soon as possible.

All reports will be handled seriously, discreetly, and with confidentiality to the extent possible.

You may report incidents by:

• Contacting any member of staff in person
• Email: dmakatounaki@iesl.forth.gr

Enforcement

The organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action in response to any violation of this Code of Conduct. Possible measures may include warnings or removal from the event without refund.

Serious or repeated violations may result in exclusion from current and future Summer School activities.

Data protection

All personal data provided in reports will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations (GDPR) and the institutional policy of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH).

Attribution

This Code of Conduct is adapted from established international best practices for scientific events, including the Optica Anti-Harassment Policy (Optica Code of Conduct).

GDPR

Personal data are processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the personal data protection policy of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH):
https://www.forth.gr/el/content/Personal-Data-Protection-Policy.138/