2026 Conference Code of Conduct

Revised July 28, 2025

This Code of Conduct applies to the 2026 joint conference of the International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) and the Society of Canadian Aquatic Sciences (SCAS-SCSA) ("the organizers"), to be held May 25-29, 2026, in Winnipeg.

The organizers are committed to providing healthy, safe, and inclusive environments for all members and participants in its activities. We seek to provide a productive and enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, nationality, or religion. We value a diversity of views, expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and experiences, and we recognize our responsibility to involve the full diversity of these voices in achieving our vision of a peaceful world in which aquatic ecosystems are valued and healthy; where these ecosystems inspire curiosity, awe, love and respect, and stewardship in all people. We know that varied perspectives are central to generating better ideas and solving complex problems.

All participants, including but not limited to authors, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, service providers, and others, are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct.

As such, no harassment of participants in any form will be tolerated. Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability (physical or mental), gender identity, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as parent, marital status, or political affiliation (USDOJ).

Harassment can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Offensive comments or jokes—whether verbal, written, or as imagery—related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate.
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events. Disruptions of talks at oral or poster sessions, in the exhibit hall, or at other events organized by IAGLR and/or SCAS-SCSA are not appropriate.
• Inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention, or innuendo
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, insults, or threats
• Photography or recording of an individual without consent
• Conduct through electronic means (e.g., sending offensive or repetitive emails, offensive use of social media, offensive content in member profile)

In addition, all participants must abide by intellectual property laws. As such, avoid plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification in the work you present in publications and presentations.

We expect all participants to follow these guidelines:

• Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other participants.
• Behave professionally.
• Target written and verbal communications for a professional audience that includes people of many different backgrounds.
• Demonstrate integrity in your work.

Consequences

Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If the offense is criminal, law enforcement will be contacted. Consequences to unacceptable behavior will be determined by the IAGLR and/or SCAS-SCSA Board of Directors in conjunction with the associations' executive directors. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Dismissal from the event without refund
• Removal from the organizers' digital platforms or groups
• Reporting to your agency or place of work
• Exclusion from the organizers' events
• Loss of membership in IAGLR and/or SCAS-SCSA
• Loss of any previous IAGLR and/or SCAS-SCSA Awards