Code of Conduct
The 35th Western Photosynthesis Conference (WPC 2026), North American Photosynthesis Conference Association (NAPCA), and the International Society of Photosynthetic Research (ISPR) are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We believe that all event participants deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and kindness.
Protected Categories
The WPC 2026 organizers will not tolerate any form of discrimination, including but not limited to:
- Age
- Cultural background
- Ethnicity
- Gender identity or expression
- National origin
- Physical or mental difference
- Political affiliation
- Pregnancy or parental role
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Socio-economic circumstance
Expectations
- Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and equity
- Uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity and professional behavior
- Respect the rules, property, and policies of the event venue
- Adhere to federal and local laws during the WPC 2026 conference, field trips, and other events
Unacceptable Behavior
- Harassment or discrimination in any form (see definitions below)
- Physical or verbal abuse
- Personal attacks directed toward others
- Disruption of oral or poster sessions, including demeaning or hostile questioning
- Presentations that promote illegal behavior, scientific misconduct, or offensive/discriminatory subject matter
Definitions
Harassment is improper conduct by an individual that is offensive to others and that the individual knew, or ought reasonably to have known, would cause offense or harm. It may be based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, language, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, disability, or pardoned conviction. It includes objectionable acts, comments, or displays that demean or humiliate, as well as intimidation or threats. Persistent behavior is typical, but even a single severe incident may constitute harassment.
Discrimination is treating people differently, negatively, or adversely based on any of the protected categories above.
Reporting
If an individual experiences or witnesses unacceptable behavior, they should inform one/all of the host organizers in person, by email, or by phone (provided they feel safe and comfortable doing so). The organizers' information will be provided in the PDF version of conference program.
Procedures
- Document the details of an incident as soon as possible, especially if immediate reporting is not possible.
- Anyone witnessing a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or any other immediate threat should report to event security or local police, and then notify a host organizer.
- All complaints will be treated seriously and responded to promptly. Confidentiality will be maintained whenever possible within the limits of the law.
Enforcement and Compliance
WPC 2026 is responsible for upholding this code of conduct and may take any action deemed necessary, including:
- Requesting that an individual cease unacceptable behavior
- Removing an individual from an event without refund
- Prohibiting future participation in NAPCA/ISPR conferences or events
- Contacting law enforcement if necessary
Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.