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Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Code of conduct

Version 1.0 – July 29, 2025

The Microbiome Virtual International Forum (MVIF) is a global online community that promotes collaboration, exchange of knowledge, and open scientific dialogue in microbiome research. We are committed to maintaining a friendly, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone, across all MVIF spaces.

Core Values

We believe in:

  • Sharing knowledge, experience, and scientific insights
  • Respectful and constructive communication
  • Inclusion and diversity
  • Scientific collaboration across cultures, backgrounds, and career stages
  • Community support and openness

Where this Code applies

This Code of Conduct applies to all MVIF-related spaces and activities, including but not limited to:

  • Online conferences, webinars, and talks
  • The MVIF public Slack workspace
  • MVIF social media platforms
  • Email and other digital communication channels

Expected behavior

All participants are expected to:

  • Treat everyone with respect and kindness
  • Use welcoming and inclusive language
  • Value different opinions, backgrounds, and experiences
  • Communicate constructively, even in disagreement
  • Keep discussions professional and science-focused
  • Respect personal boundaries and digital space

Unacceptable behavior

The following behaviors are not acceptable in MVIF spaces:

  • Harassment or discrimination based on gender, race, language, age, religion, disability, appearance, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics
  • Bullying, threats, or aggressive language
  • Dismissing or mocking someone's scientific ideas or questions
  • Repeatedly interrupting or disrupting conversations or events
  • Posting off-topic, inflammatory, or trolling messages
  • Sharing inappropriate or sexual content
  • Using anonymous or misleading identities on MVIF Slack or other platforms

MVIF Public Slack Workspace

The MVIF Slack workspace is an open and growing community space. Because anyone can join, we require:

  • Clearly identifiable accounts (full name or affiliation preferred, but interacting with an alias is OK too if you respect this Code of Conduct)
  • Professional and respectful communication in public and private messages
  • Use of English as the working language, keeping messages clear and inclusive
  • Avoiding private harassment via DMs (direct messages) – this is considered a serious violation

Accounts that do not follow these principles may be removed.

If the Code is violated

The MVIF Code of Conduct Team may take action when the Code is violated. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Verbal or written warnings
  • Temporary or permanent removal from the MVIF Slack workspace
  • Exclusion from MVIF events and activities
  • In serious cases, reporting to the individual’s institution or employer

All reports will be treated seriously and confidentially.

Reporting a problem

If you feel unsafe, disrespected, or witness inappropriate behavior in any MVIF space, we encourage you to report it. You can report anonymously or with your name.

All reports will be reviewed by the Code of Conduct Team and kept confidential.

Anonymous Reporting Form

🔗 Report an issue anonymously

You may also contact the MVIF Code of Conduct Team directly via Slack DM or email.

MVIF Code of Conduct Team

We will always do our best to support you and take appropriate action.

Final Note

By joining MVIF activities or spaces, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct. Together, we can build a global microbiome community based on respect, collaboration, and scientific openness.