NEON Code of Conduct

View this Code of Conduct as a downloadable resource

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) welcomes contributions from everyone who shares our values of unity, creativity, collaboration, excellence, and appreciation. We have adopted this Code of Conduct to create a safe and positive community experience for all. These guidelines apply to Battelle staff and external participants who engage with the NEON program. Battelle staff are also bound to the Battelle Code of Business Ethics and Conduct and other Battelle policies.

When and How to Use These Guidelines

These guidelines outline expected and prohibited behaviors for NEON community members in all activities, whether participating in person or online. NEON event leaders are required to share this Code of Conduct and ask participants to review and agree to it when they attend an event.

Expected Behaviors

Our community exists to advance science in a welcoming and collaborative manner.

Be Respectful and Trustworthy
Value each other’s ideas, styles, and viewpoints. Address differences of opinion through respectful discourse. Take responsibility for your impact and your mistakes.

Be Direct and Professional
Provide space for giving and receiving constructive feedback to improve our processes and outputs.

Be Open and Welcoming
Encourage all voices and listen actively. Respect differing viewpoints and people’s right to privacy and confidentiality.

Acknowledge Contributions and Celebrate Achievements
Share credit and give appreciation for contributions from others.

Collaborate and Co-Create
Build and maintain strong relationships and trust to collaborate and co-create impactful and innovative ideas and products using NEON data, samples, and infrastructure.

Unacceptable Behaviors

Derogatory Language
The use of hurtful or harmful language is not acceptable. If you are unsure if a word, phrase or colloquialism is derogatory, do not use it.

Discrimination or Harassment
Everyone should be treated with respect and dignity. Harassment based on any characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law is prohibited.

Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other physical, visual or verbal conduct of a sexual nature are unacceptable.

Violence and Threats of Violence
Violence and threats of violence committed by or against an employee, manager, or third-party, including vendors and visitors, are not tolerated.

Disruptive or Disorderly Behavior
Sustained disruption of any event, forum, or meeting will not be tolerated.

Retaliation
Any adverse action taken against an individual for filing a complaint or supporting another individual’s complaint will not be tolerated. Retaliation can include threats, intimidation, or other forms.

Violation of any Law
Participants must always abide by applicable local, state, and federal laws during the course of their participation in NEON sponsored activities and provided resources.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior from any NEON community member will not be tolerated. Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in being asked to leave an event or online space at the sole discretion of Battelle. Continued or severe infractions may result in being banned from participation in future spaces, events, and activities.

Reports of harassment, discrimination, or violence will be promptly, and thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures will be taken to address the situation. Illegal behavior will be reported to law enforcement.

Reporting a Violation of these Guidelines

If you witness or experience sexual harassment or personal safety violations, first find a safe space, and report the violation immediately to the Battelle Ethics Hotline (855.296.2232) or online (https://battelle.alertline.com). For other violations of this Code of Conduct, please talk to a Battelle staff member. In the case of life-threatening, violent, and illegal activities, call 911.

Participation Agreement

By participating in NEON hosted events, offered online resources, or other NEON programs, you agree to abide by and comply with this Code of Conduct. The participant acknowledges and agrees that NEON and Battelle reserve the right to deny participation to any individual who fails to comply with this Code of Conduct. Furthermore, the participant expressly waives any claims and releases NEON and Battelle from any liability related to the denial of participation based on a breach of this Code of Conduct, which shall be determined within the sole discretion of NEON and Battelle.

Community Feedback

Everyone is encouraged to provide feedback on their experience with the NEON program. Your input is welcome through our Contact Us form (https://www.neonscience.org/about/contact-us).

Acknowledgments

This Code of Conduct and participation guidelines were adapted from Mozilla’s Participation Guidelines with additional content adapted from OpenCon’s Code of Conduct. We thank all Battelle staff, the NEON Community Engagement Technical Working Group, and the former NEON Science, Technology, and Education Advisory Committee, who participated in the original development of this Code.