Research Corporation for Science Advancement (“RCSA”) prioritizes the safety and dignity of all participants in RCSA programs, conferences, fellowships, activities, and sponsored projects (“RCSA programs”).  RCSA is also committed to fostering an environment for the free exchange of ideas, marked by respect for ownership of intellectual property and the ethical use of the ideas of others. To further these priorities, RCSA has adopted this Code of Conduct. The Code is not a complete list of behavioral requirements in RCSA programs, and RCSA reserves the right to deny entry to RCSA programs, or remove participants from RCSA programs, for engaging in any behavior that is inconsistent with its mission, as determined by RCSA in its sole discretion.

1. Prohibition on Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation

RCSA fosters an inclusive and respectful environment for listening in which the different identities, backgrounds, and perspectives of all participants are valued, and in which everyone is empowered to share ideas as fellow scientists. To that end, RCSA strictly prohibits discrimination and discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment, and retaliation.  These prohibitions extend to everyone involved in RCSA programs, whether as an RCSA employee, a participant, or a third-party contractor or vendor. 

Anyone who is aware of discrimination or discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment, at any RCSA program is encouraged to report it to an RCSA Program Director. Alternatively, such conduct may be reported to RCSA Director of Human Resources Jennifer Brown or RCSA Vice President Daniel Gasch.

RCSA will not retaliate against anyone who in good faith reports suspected discrimination or discriminatory harassment, or participates in or cooperates with an investigation regarding such conduct. 

Discrimination, discriminatory harassment and retaliation are serious offenses, and may result in consequences up to and including termination of RCSA’s relationship with the offender and a permanent bar on the individual’s participation in future RCSA programs.

2. Ethical Conduct and Intellectual Provenance

RCSA programs are intended to facilitate open dialogue and collaboration in a collegial environment based on trust and respect for all participants, their ideas, and their intellectual property. RCSA expects all participants to behave ethically, including with respect to the ideas and work of colleagues, and refrain from all forms of intellectual dishonesty, including plagiarism. Discussions at RCSA programs are intended to be opportunities to conceive of new lines of research and other thought development. To make this possible, participants must share ideas openly, often including information about current research projects. The intellectual provenance of each participant’s ideas should be treated with respect, as one would wish for their own ideas to be treated. Each participant assumes sole responsibility for the protection and preservation of any intellectual property rights and priority of scientific ideas, both before and during participation in RCSA programs.

3. Prior Misconduct

RCSA may exclude from participation in RCSA programs those who have been found or adjudicated responsible for sexual or discriminatory harassment, sexual assault, retaliation, misconduct (including research misconduct or plagiarism), or other serious violations of a faculty or student conduct policy or applicable law by any current or former employer, school, or court.