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
You may also contact the MVIF Code of Conduct Team directly via Slack DM or email.
MVIF Code of Conduct Team
- Serena Manara (she/her) – Languages: English, Italian, German, serena.manara@microbiome-vif.org or find her on Slack
- Moreno Zolfo (he/him) – Languages: English, Italian, Japanese, moreno.zolfo@microbiome-vif.org or find him on Slack
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.