Code of Conduct and Ethics
Table of Contents
The GEP Code of Conduct and Ethics seeks to promote the creation of a positive, collaborative, and professional environment where all members can individually thrive and contribute to GEP goals and values. It sets standards for professionalism and ethical practices that align with the core values and mission of the organization. The Code of Conduct and Ethics applies to GEP faculty members, staff, and students participating in GEP research or GEP events including but not limited to TA tutoring, meetings, training, seminars, Regional Node events, and national workshops. It also applies to GEP faculty members, staff, and students that are representing the GEP or presenting GEP work at non-GEP events.
CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Respect individuals and support broad inclusion and engagement.
- Treat all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of differences.
- Promote an environment where different perspectives and backgrounds are valued and embraced.
- Actively work to allow participation and engagement in the many activities offered within and outside the organization.
- Assume good intent in communication with others but recognize that we are responsible for the impact of our words and actions on others.
2. Demonstrate professionalism in communication and interaction.
- Maintain professionalism in all interactions, including in-person meetings, virtual, and written communication.
- Engage in constructive and respectful dialogue, even in cases of disagreement.
3. Support open, ethical, and academically responsible collaboration.
- Maintain academic integrity by accurately representing contributions and adhering to proper discipline-specific practices.
- Disclose any conflicts of interest and avoid actions that could compromise the partnership’s integrity.
4. Take accountability for our impact on individuals and the community.
- Engage in reflection and learning to help create a welcoming professional environment.
- Report breaches of the Code of Conduct and Ethics in a timely and confidential manner.
- Participate in the resolution process when interpersonal issues arise, prioritizing fairness and restorative outcomes.
5. Commit to a culture of continuous learning, improvement, and professional growth.
- Engage in opportunities to build knowledge, enhance skills, and mentor others in the partnership.
- Encourage reflection and growth mindset.
6. Unacceptable Behavior.
Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to:
- Intimidating, harassing, abusive, prejudicial, derogatory, or demeaning speech, images, or actions;
- Harmful or prejudicial speech, images, or actions related to personal characteristics;
- Unwelcome or uninvited sexual attention or physical contact;
- Inappropriate use of nudity or sexual images;
- Intimidation or stalking;
- Real or implied threats of professional or physical harm;
- Any unlawful acts or behavior that violates the policies of host institutions or organizations.
ETHICS GUIDELINES
1. Adhere to ethical standards for research and scholarship.
- Ensure all research, educational, and scholarly activities comply with applicable ethical guidelines and respect the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals and communities.
- Prioritize transparency in research methods, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
- Conduct and communicate scholarship honestly and accurately, without fabrication, falsification, misrepresentation, or selective reporting of results.
- Obtain appropriate approvals, permissions, and informed consent when required by institutional, legal, or professional standards.
2. Uphold a high standard of honesty and academic integrity in research and scholarship.
- Accurately acknowledge and cite the ideas, words, data, images, and contributions of others.
- Disclose use of AI tools in writing, creating images, or analyzing data and practice responsible human review and verification of AI content.
- Refrain from plagiarism, self-plagiarism, unauthorized use of materials, misrepresentation of authorship, or other forms of academic misconduct.
- Ensure that contributions to publications, presentations, reports, curricula, and educational resources are represented fairly and appropriately.
3. Maintain responsible data practices that support accuracy, transparency, and security.
- Collect, manage, analyze, store, share, and report data responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, institutional policies, and ethical standards.
- Maintain accurate and complete records to support transparency, reproducibility, and accountability.
- Protect confidential, proprietary, and personally identifiable information and respect data privacy expectations.
- Report findings honestly and accurately without manipulating, fabricating, or omitting data in ways that could mislead others.
- When appropriate, support the responsible sharing of data, materials, and methods to advance scientific knowledge and educational practice.
4. Disclose and appropriately manage any conflicts of interest.
- Disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that could influence, or appear to influence, professional judgment, decision-making, or organizational activities.
- Avoid situations in which personal, financial, institutional, or professional interests may compromise objectivity, fairness, or the integrity of the partnership.
- Manage identified conflicts transparently and in accordance with organizational and institutional policies.
- Recuse oneself from decisions, reviews, or evaluations when a conflict of interest could impair impartiality.
5. Be responsible stewards of organizational resources.
- Use institutional and GEP resources responsibly, ethically, and for their intended purposes.
- Safeguard sensitive data, intellectual property, and organizational assets in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements.
6. Promote fair access to high-quality science education opportunities and professional growth.
- Advocate for fair access to high-quality educational opportunities in genomics and bioinformatics.
- Strive to provide science and education opportunities for all.
- Promote ethical practices that support participation, learning, and professional growth across the science education community.
REPORTING AND RESOLUTION PROCESS
The GEP Code of Conduct and Ethics seeks to promote the creation of a positive, collaborative, and professional environment where all members can individually thrive and contribute to GEP goals and values. It sets standards for professionalism and ethical practices that align with the core values and mission of the organization. The Code of Conduct and Ethics applies to GEP faculty members, staff, and students participating in GEP research or GEP events including but not limited to TA tutoring, meetings, training, seminars, Regional Node events, and national workshops. It also applies to GEP faculty members, staff, and students that are representing the GEP or presenting GEP work at non-GEP events.
Reporting and resolution process:
- Any violations of the GEP Code of Conduct and Ethics may be reported anonymously by GEP faculty members, staff, or students via the online form.
- Confidentiality of the reporting party and any person(s) named in the report will be maintained as much as possible during the resolution process. Reports will not be shared with GEP faculty members, staff, or students not directly involved in the resolution process. However, relevant member institutions or authorities may be contacted if appropriate or required by law.
- GEP members who are directly involved in reported incidents or who have a conflict of interest with regard to the reporting party or person(s) named in the report are expected to recuse themselves from the resolution process.
The Grievance Committee will review reports and communicate with relevant parties. The Grievance Committee is an ad hoc Code of Conduct and Ethics review committee composed of one member of each standing committee. This member is the Chair unless otherwise designated. This ad hoc committee will review the original report, gather any additional information needed, and recommend further action which may include:
- Conversation or mediation;
- Formal written censure;
- Ban from participation in certain GEP activities;
- Expulsion from the GEP;
- Reporting to member institutions and/or relevant authorities.
- Page Last Updated: October 2, 2026