EBRAINS Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is modeled after the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. It emphasizes how we expect to interact with one another as a community influenced by diverse characteristics, including personalities, communication styles, primary languages, and cultural backgrounds. We prioritise clarity and curiosity over confrontation and assumption. If you are part of a project or team, feel free to discuss with your colleagues and adapt the Code of Conduct according to specific requirements, and add your contact person details.

We assume good intentions and clarify misunderstandings

Understanding across diverse communication styles is fundamental to effective collaboration.

Someone might sound blunt but might just be direct or aiming to be efficient
A participant might avoid eye contact out of respect, not disinterest
Speaking while someone is talking might be meant as active engagement, not interruption

We help each other feel understood, and we stay open to learning across different communication styles.

We keep the space healthy and collaborate with generosity

We encourage newcomers, celebrate others, share knowledge and credit honestly
We don’t make assumptions about someone’s ability based on, for example, gender, language, or level of experience
We stay on topic, use appropriate channels - and don’t dominate or derail discussions
We focus on ideas, not individuals - feedback is constructive and requests are specific

We assume good intentions - but never at the expense of safety. When we notice tensions, we step in kindly and ask how we can help.

We respect boundaries

Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome. We are committed to addressing harm, setting clear boundaries, and not tolerating harassment in any form.

Respect for one another’s dignity, boundaries, and wellbeing is essential to this community. Unacceptable behaviours include:

Harassment or intimidation, including mocking, threats, or deliberate exclusion
Inappropriate content, such as sexual jokes, imagery, or comments
Unwanted contact, whether repeated messages or physical approaches
Privacy violations, like sharing someone’s private messages or images without permission

If someone tells you a behaviour is making them uncomfortable, stop immediately. If you are unsure, ask or step back.

We take pictures or recordings only with explicit permission

Taking photos, audio and video recordings is the responsibility of event organisers. When applicable for distribution, content will be shared with participants during and after events via appropriate channels. Don’t take photos, record videos, or record audio of participants or the content they’re presenting without permission.

Get in touch if you feel unsafe or need support

Sometimes, harm occurs. If you experience or witness harm, you are encouraged to reach out to your team or project specific contact person - or to support@ebrains.eu with the subject line “Code of Conduct”. We are available to:

Listen to your concerns
Clarify intent and help mediate if needed
Take appropriate action, which may include formal mediation, exclusion from events, escalation to leadership, or legal action

Make sure you provide us with all the details needed to follow up on your request. All reports are handled respectfully and confidentially if needed.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

This Code of Conduct is part of our commitment to creating a collaborative culture based on a European understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion. For more resources:

For more information about follow-up procedures and conflict resolution, see our Conflict Resolution guide.