Diversity statement

The scientific research community is diverse, encompassing individuals from numerous backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences. At MicroSeq, we embrace and celebrate this diversity, recognizing that it enhances the scientific landscape and promotes a deeper understanding of microbiological phenomena. We aim to equally represent genders and the different Australian states on our organising committee and plenary speakers, and we recognise that other forms of diversity are also vital. As an online conference, we are proud to be accessible to attendees from across Australia. We welcome abstract submissions and registrations from all early-career researchers and strive to provide a safe and inclusive platform that amplifies all voices.

We welcome feedback about our diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility practices, as we are committed to continual improvement so that everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.

Code of conduct

The MicroSeq meeting represents a community of scientists and people in related fields, and we are in a very collaborative environment. As such, we would like to treat each other with respect. We expect the same level of professionalism expected at any scientific meeting. Together we can create a productive and welcoming environment to listen, learn, and share ideas

During MicroSeq 2024 we ask that you:

• Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative when speaking and listening.
• Be kind to others, do not insult or putdown other attendees
• Respect the policies of the online platform/s
• Use your real name (e.g. not “My iPad”) to facilitate discussion.
• Keep audio muted when you aren’t speaking.
• If you are comfortable doing so, please turn your video on so the speaker can see you.
• Be thoughtful of when you speak. Be courteous, and don’t interrupt the speaker.
• Use nonverbal communication effectively. Nodding, raising your hand, or giving a thumbs up (either physically or using Zoom features) will help the colloquium feel more engaging and personal.
• Use the chat/Q&A feature to ask questions and engage in discussion related to the presentations of all the speakers.
• Be patient with the hosts as they relay your question to the speaker, and understand that questions may be held until the end of the presentation

The MicroSeq conference doesn’t tolerate harassment, discrimination or bullying of attendees, speakers or organisers in any form. This includes offensive verbal or text/zoom chat comments, sexual language and imagery (on social media and zoom platforms), deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing, unsolicited photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events. If required, members of the MicroSeq Organisation Committee will take the following steps for inappropriate behaviour.

• Direct warning to the individual breaching the Code of Conduct asking them to stop the inappropriate behaviour.
• If it continues, a member of the MicroSeq Organisation Committee may remove the individual from the current zoom session for the remainder of the session. They will be allowed to return for the next session
• If there is a third incident, the individual will be barred from all remaining sessions of MicroSeq.
• The organising committee want to foster a safe space for all participants, if a breach is considered severe enough by the committee, you may be barred immediately.
• No refund will be provided if you breach the Code of Conduct

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the MicroSeq Organisation Committee immediately. There will be a member coordinating each session, please reach out to them over the zoom chat. Any reports will be handled in the strictest confidence

For participants who are tweeting the conference, we would ask that you do not screenshot and tweet any slides or material if the presenter has asked for the material not to be shared.

Generally we would ask you to be respectful in your tweets. Be mindful that by including the conference hashtag in your tweets you are contributing to a professional forum that others will be following.