The AYSC 2026 Conference is committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, safe and intellectually open environment for all participants. This Code of Conduct applies to all conference activities, including presentations, panel discussions, workshops, poster sessions, networking events, social events, online platforms, email communication, social media engagement and any other conference-related spaces.

By attending or participating in the conference, all delegates, speakers, facilitators, organisers, partners, sponsors, service providers and guests agree to uphold this Code of Conduct.

1. Expected conduct

All participants are expected to:

  • treat others with dignity, courtesy and respect;
  • engage constructively, even when disagreeing;
  • respect diversity of background, identity, discipline, institution, career stage, language, culture and perspective;
  • contribute to a welcoming and supportive environment for early-career researchers;
  • respect the time, views and contributions of speakers, chairs, facilitators and fellow participants;
  • follow instructions from conference organisers, session chairs and venue staff;
  • use conference spaces, equipment and resources responsibly;
  • comply with applicable laws, institutional policies, research ethics standards and conference rules.

2. Unacceptable conduct

The following behaviour will not be tolerated:

  • harassment, intimidation, bullying, discrimination or exclusionary behaviour;
  • offensive, threatening, defamatory or abusive language;
  • personal attacks, humiliation or deliberate disruption of sessions;
  • unwanted attention, inappropriate comments or unwelcome physical contact;
  • discrimination based on race, gender, sex, age, disability, nationality, ethnicity, religion, language, sexual orientation, institutional affiliation, career stage or any other protected or personal characteristic;
  • unauthorised photography, audio recording or video recording where permission has not been granted;
  • misuse of personal information shared by participants;
  • plagiarism, misrepresentation of research, or other forms of academic misconduct;
  • damage to venue property, conference materials or equipment;
  • behaviour that compromises the safety, dignity or participation of others.

3. Respectful academic engagement

The conference encourages open discussion, critical thinking and robust academic debate. Participants may challenge ideas, methods and arguments, but must do so respectfully and professionally.

Disagreement should focus on the content of a presentation or discussion, not on the character, identity, background or competence of the person presenting it.

4. Photography, recording and social media

Participants should respect the privacy and preferences of others when taking photographs, recording content or posting on social media.

Photographs, videos or recordings of presenters, delegates, slides, posters or discussions should not be shared publicly without appropriate permission, especially where unpublished research, sensitive information or personal details are involved.

Participants who do not wish to be photographed or recorded should inform the organisers.

5. Research integrity and responsible communication

All participants are expected to uphold principles of academic integrity, honesty and responsible research communication.

Presentations, posters and discussions should acknowledge sources appropriately and avoid the misrepresentation of data, findings, collaborators, institutions or funders.

Where research involves human participants, animals, communities, Indigenous knowledge, confidential data or sensitive topics, presenters are responsible for ensuring that appropriate ethical approvals, permissions and safeguards are in place.

6. Reporting concerns

Participants who experience or witness conduct that may violate this Code of Conduct are encouraged to report the matter to the conference organisers as soon as possible.

Reports may be made to:

AYSC 2026 Conference Organisers
Email: kholani@assaf.org.za
On-site contact person: kholani@assaf.org.za

Reports will be treated seriously, sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. Information will only be shared with those who need to assist in addressing the matter.

7. Response to misconduct

The conference organisers reserve the right to take appropriate action in response to conduct that violates this Code of Conduct. This may include:

  • speaking to the person involved;
  • issuing a warning;
  • asking the person to stop the behaviour;
  • removing a participant from a session or event;
  • withdrawing speaking or participation privileges;
  • cancelling registration or participation;
  • reporting serious matters to the relevant institution, authority or service provider, where appropriate.

The organisers may take immediate action where necessary to protect the safety, dignity and wellbeing of participants.

8. Responsibility of organisers and partners

ASSAf, the conference organisers and partners are committed to supporting a respectful and inclusive conference environment. However, all participants share responsibility for maintaining the standards set out in this Code of Conduct.

Participation in the conference indicates acceptance of this Code of Conduct.