Respecting and encouraging equality, diversity & inclusion: values we hold dear at SIB!

ECCB is Europe's key event in computational biology, bringing together scientists from diverse fields to share their work, exchange ideas, and build new collaborations and friendships, openly and respectfully!

As the organizer of the ECCB 2026 edition, the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics is proud to uphold its commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the European computational biology community. We are dedicated to creating an environment where all participants -regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability- feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Respect is a cornerstone of SIB’s mission, and we strive to embody this principle in every aspect of ECCB 2026, from scientific exchange to social interaction. Together, let’s make this conference a model of collaboration and inclusivity for the global bioinformatics community.

Based on and adapted from the ELIXIR and ISCB Codes of Conduct.

Code of conduct

Values

SIB is committed to maintaining a professional environment where all participants feel welcome, respected, and valued, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, socioeconomic background, or other personal characteristics.

SIB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific ethics and professional conduct. A submission may be rejected if the applicant has previously demonstrated inappropriate behaviour towards any member of the scientific community, or if the submission violates the Swiss Code of Conduct for Scientific Integrity.

Expected behaviour

SIB is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we kindly remind all attendees, speakers, and organisers to adhere to the following principles:

Be respectful

  • Treat all individuals with respect, regardless of nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, race, religion, or any other personal characteristic
  • Harassment, discrimination, or intimidation in any form -whether in person, via email, or on social media- will not be tolerated
  • Avoid using offensive language or imagery in presentations and discussions

Be inclusive

  • Use language that is inclusive and respectful
  • Consider diverse perspectives and experiences
  • Critique ideas constructively, with reference to facts and evidence
  • Remain courteous in all professional interactions
  • Reflect on personal biases and remain open to learning from others

Be accountable

  • Take responsibility if your behaviour does not meet these standards
  • Speak up if you witness behaviour inconsistent with this Code
  • Report incidents to the organizers (info@eccb2026.org); concerns will be handled in confidence and, where appropriate, in consultation with the SIB Diversity Working Group

Unacceptable behaviour

We actively oppose any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination, and recognize their detrimental impact on scientific progress, collaboration, and personal well-being.

Examples of behaviour that will not be tolerated include:

  • Discriminatory or exclusionary comments or jokes
  • Threats, intimidation, or violent language
  • Sexual or violent imagery
  • Unwelcome sexual attention
  • Disruption of talks or events
  • Insults or derogatory remarks
  • Harassment or stalking
  • Publishing private communications without consent
  • Deliberate false accusations intended to harm others

Social media guideline

Participants are welcome to use social media during the conference and to share content using LinkedIn, Mastodon, Bluesky (#eccb2026) and other platforms. However:

  • Always respect presenters’ wishes. If a speaker or poster presenter indicates that their content should not be shared, please comply with that request.
  • If no explicit guidance is provided, please ask for permission before posting content.

For presenters

If you do not wish your presentation or poster to be shared publicly, please state this clearly during your talk or on your poster. Here is a suggested visual symbol for this purpose: