The 11th European Conference of Apidology (EurBee 11) is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and intellectually stimulating environment for all participants. This commitment is grounded in the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the European Charter for Researchers, which uphold the dignity, freedom, and equal worth of every person, and call for integrity, transparency, and respect in all scientific activity.
We believe that the best science emerges from communities where every voice is heard and every participant feels valued. This Code of Conduct reflects that belief.
It applies to all EurBee 11 participants — attendees, speakers, poster presenters, session chairs, organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and venue staff — and covers all conference activities: plenary and parallel sessions, poster sessions, workshops, social events, field excursions, and any other activities associated with the conference.
By registering for and participating in EurBee 11, we each commit to upholding the following principles:
2.1. Inclusion and respect for all
We welcome and celebrate the diversity of our community. Every participant deserves to be treated with courtesy, dignity and respect, regardless of age, career stage, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, nationality, physical appearance, race, religion, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic.
We actively contribute to a conference atmosphere in which all participants — particularly those from historically underrepresented groups — feel genuinely included and heard. We pay thoughtful attention to accessibility and help create conditions that allow everyone to engage fully.
2.2. Scientific integrity and open dialogue
In the spirit of the European Charter for Researchers, we commit to the highest standards of scientific honesty and integrity. We present our work truthfully, acknowledge the contributions of others, and engage critically but respectfully with ideas that differ from our own.
We welcome diverse scientific perspectives and career stages. We encourage questions, discussion and healthy debate. We listen as carefully as we speak.
2.3. Professionalism in all interactions
We communicate in ways that are constructive, thoughtful, and appropriate to a professional scientific gathering — in sessions, at social events, in written communications, and on social media. We extend this standard of professionalism to every person we encounter at the conference, regardless of their role.
Conference presentations and discussions are scientific spaces. Participants are asked to keep contributions focused on scientific content and to refrain from using the conference platform to promote personal political, religious, ideological positions or commercial products and services (unless specifically authorized under the conference’s sponsorship plan).
2.4. Responsibility toward our community
We each bear a share of responsibility for the quality of our shared environment. If we witness behaviour that makes others feel unsafe or excluded, we are encouraged to act — whether by directly and calmly addressing the situation if we feel comfortable doing so, or by alerting a conference organizer.
2.5. Compliance with local rules and laws
We respect the rules of all conference venues and abide by applicable local laws and regulations at all times.
While we prefer to lead with what we aspire to, we also name clearly the behaviours that are incompatible with these values, so that all participants know what is not acceptable and feel confident reporting it.
The following behaviours will not be tolerated at EurBee 11:
We ask every participant to help us maintain the standards described here. If you experience or witness behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it — your report matters, and it helps protect others. You can reach out to the EurBee11 Local Organizing Committee[1] at any time during the conference, either directly (e.g. via the Registration Desk) or by email.
All reports will be treated seriously, handled with discretion, and investigated promptly. The identity of the person reporting will be protected to the greatest extent possible. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is itself a violation of this Code of Conduct and will be treated as such.
If you are ever in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services immediately (European emergency number: 112).
4.1 How we respond
The EurBee 11 organizing committee will review all reported concerns and take appropriate action. Our goal is always to restore safety and inclusion for those affected. Depending on the severity and nature of the incident, responses may include:
This Code of Conduct draws inspiration from established models in the scientific community and from the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948) and the European Charter for Researchers (European Commission, 2025, doi: 10.2777/5214248), both of which affirm the right of every person to participate in scientific and public life with dignity and without discrimination.
We are grateful to everyone who helps make EurBee 11 a conference where great science and genuine humanity go hand in hand.