DC2026 Code of Conduct

Our Commitment

The 18th International Symposium on Dendritic Cells (DC2026) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for all participants. DC2026 brings together a global and diverse scientific community, and we expect all attendees to engage in a professional and collegial manner that supports open scientific exchange, mutual respect, and collaboration.

This Code of Conduct applies to all conference participants, including speakers, attendees, organizers, sponsors, exhibitors, staff, trainees, and guests, across all conference-related activities — whether in person, online, or at affiliated social events.

Non-Discrimination and Inclusion

DC2026 does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. All participants are expected to treat others with dignity and respect, regardless of:

  • Race or ethnicity

  • Nationality or country of origin

  • Religion or belief

  • Gender, gender identity, or gender expression

  • Sexual orientation or sexual preference

  • Age

  • Disability

  • Marital status

  • Military or veteran status

  • Career stage or institutional affiliation

Expected Conduct

All participants are expected to:

  • Conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and inclusive manner

  • Engage in constructive scientific dialogue and debate

  • Respect differing viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences

  • Comply with all conference policies and applicable laws

Unacceptable Conduct

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form

  • Unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention

  • Abusive, derogatory, or demeaning language or behavior

  • Threats of physical, professional, or reputational harm

  • Stalking, following, or deliberate intimidation

  • Disruption of scientific sessions or conference activities

  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images, language, or materials in presentations

  • Photographing or recording scientific presentations, posters, or discussions without explicit permission from the presenter

  • Misuse of conference credentials or access

  • Intoxication or illegal substance use during conference activities

Photography and Recording

To protect unpublished data and encourage open scientific exchange:

  • Photography or recording (audio or video) of scientific sessions or posters is not permitted without explicit permission from the presenter

  • Official conference photography may occur during DC2026 activities

  • By registering for DC2026, participants consent to the use of official photographs for conference-related communications

Reporting Concerns

Participants who experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct are encouraged to report it promptly. Reports can be made confidentially to:

  • A member of the DC2026 Organizing Committee

  • Designated conference staff

All reports will be taken seriously and handled with discretion.

Enforcement

The DC2026 Organizing Committee reserves the right to take appropriate action in response to violations of this policy. Actions may include:

  • Verbal or written warnings

  • Removal from conference sessions or events without refund

  • Revocation of conference credentials

  • Exclusion from future DC Symposia

Shared Responsibility

By participating in DC2026, all attendees agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and to contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and scientifically vibrant meeting environment.

We thank you for helping us make DC2026 a welcoming and inspiring meeting for the entire Dendritic Cell community.

Download Code of Conduct