Code of conduct/Safety plan

Safety Plan

ESMRMB/endorsed ISMRM Workshop on MRI of Neuromodulation

1. Statement of Commitment

The organizers of ESMRMB/endorsed ISMRM Workshop on MRI of Neuromodulation are fully committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and professional environment for all participants, including attendees, speakers, organizers, exhibitors, students, and staff. We maintain zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other forms of inappropriate conduct.


This conference is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and we adhere to all applicable federal civil rights laws and NIH policies. All participants are expected to contribute to a collegial and harassment-free environment.

2. Expectations of Behavior

All participants are expected to follow the code of conduct described above


3. Reporting Concerns Confidentially

Participants who experience or witness harassment, discrimination, or other inappropriate conduct are encouraged to report concerns promptly.

Reports may be made confidentially through:

  • Designated Safety Officer:
    Name: Li Min Chen
    Email: limin.chen@vanderbilt.edu
    Phone/Text: +1 (615)887-8688
  • Conference Organizing Committee Email:
    office@esmrmb.org

Reports may be made verbally or in writing. Anonymous reports will be accepted to the extent feasible.

Confidentiality will be respected to the fullest extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a fair and thorough review.


4. Assessment of Allegations and Consequences

Upon receiving a report:

  1. The Safety Officer and/or designated review committee will promptly acknowledge receipt.
  2. A confidential review will be conducted, including gathering relevant information and interviewing involved parties as appropriate.
  3. Interim measures may be implemented to ensure safety.

If a violation is found, potential consequences may include:

  • Verbal or written warning.
  • Removal from specific sessions or events.
  • Revocation of conference registration without refund.
  • Removal from speaking roles.
  • Notification of employer or institution.
  • Ban from future conferences.
  • Referral to appropriate authorities when warranted.

Retaliation against individuals who report concerns is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

5. HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Individuals who have questions, concerns, or complaints related to harassment or discrimination are also encouraged to contact:

  • The conference organizers (as listed above), and/or
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Filing a Complaint with HHS OCR

Complaints may be filed online, by mail, or by email.
Instructions are available at:

https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html

Important:

  • Filing a complaint with the conference organizer is not required before filing a complaint with HHS OCR.
  • Seeking assistance from the conference organizer does not prohibit filing a complaint with HHS OCR.
  • Complaints to HHS OCR must generally be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.

6. Notifying NIH

Individuals may also notify NIH directly about concerns of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct at NIH-supported conferences.