The Society of Mathematical Biology (SMB) aims to support and encourage mathematical biology research and education, and to connect scientists who have educational, research, or practical experience in mathematical biology or in an allied scientific field. Broadly, the SMB goals are: to advance scientific excellence at the interface between mathematical and life sciences; to facilitate sharing of knowledge and ideas among researchers, educators, and decision makers in academia, industry, and government agencies, as well as the public; and to encourage effective recruitment and training in disciplines at the interface of the mathematical and biological sciences.

To fulfill SMB’s mission, its members must practice ethical professional conduct and research practices; support an SMB membership that is diverse, inclusive, and reflective of the broader community; and ensure that interactions within the community and with the general public are respectful. SMB members and participants of SMB-affiliated events are expected to follow these Principles of Community in support of the broader goals above. 

Ethical professional conduct and research practices:

1. Facilitate open, professional, productive, and respectful exchange of ideas at SMB events and in SMB communications;

2. Communicate research openly and honestly and properly represent the potential impact of their work;

3. Appropriately credit the contributions of others; 

4. Seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, acknowledge and correct errors; 

5. Strive to be aware of their biases and actively take steps to reduce their negative impact on others; for example, make sure criticism of technical work is addressing ideas rather than individuals;

Supporting a diversity of views, opinions, and identities:

1. Support and promote all of our members regardless of their race, color, age, body size or shape, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religion (or lack thereof), national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, disabilities, field(s) of expertise, position of power (or lack thereof), or other identities – collectively their identities, affiliations, or status;

2. Ensure that all members of the SMB community and participants in SMB-affiliated events are safe; feel welcomed, included, and respected; and have equitable opportunities to participate fully in these events; 

3. Never discriminate against, or otherwise mistreat someone because of their identities, affiliations, or status; 

4. Assist colleagues and trainees in their professional development and support them in following these Principles of Community;

5. Pursue purposeful recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff from historically underrepresented groups;

Respectful interactions:

1. Promote respectful interactions with other participants, venue staff, and members of the public, including communities hosting SMB events;

2. Respect the privacy of others and their personal information and data;

3. Listen when others speak, recognize the experiences and expertise of others, and take steps to ensure that others’ voices are heard;

4. Speak from one’s lived experiences – clearly express when you are conveying a personal viewpoint or speaking on behalf of a larger group; and as a listener be thoughtful to not inappropriately attribute someone’s comments to any group(s) to which they belong; 

5. Avoid using accusatory or defensive language, or otherwise inappropriately escalating tensions during difficult conversations;

6. When possible, be willing to speak out or otherwise act against any violations of these Principles of Community when such actions are warranted. This could mean raising the matter with the transgressor, intervening to stop the transgression, offering support to the victim(s), and/or reporting what happened to the event organizers, SMB leadership, or other appropriate entities; 

7. Never engage in or tolerate bullying, abuse (violent or otherwise), stalking, harassment of any kind (including sexual harassment), or any other forms of victimization, whether via spoken or written words, emails, offensive images or graffiti, photography, social media posts, or any other means.

These Principles of Community apply to all members of the SMB community and participants in SMB-affiliated events, including conference participants and staff at in person or virtual venues. Please see any additional Codes of Conduct that may apply for specific SMB-affiliated events and host institutions.

References and other organizations’ code of conduct:

SIAM Code of Conduct

AMS Code of Conduct for Meetings

MAA Code of Conduct

Society for Freshwater Science (for a bio example)

Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (another bio example)

ESA