The Institute of Astrophysics (IA) seeks to foster an environment where all members are supported as individuals and as scientists, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and disability status. In doing so, we aim to create a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community that works together to advance our scientific knowledge in astrophysics. In addition to the Code of Conduct which applies to all Greek Public Institutions we follow the Code of Conduct established by The Research Ethics Committee of FORTH as well as the Gender Action Plan of the Gender Equality Committee of FORTH, which apply to all researchers, staff, and students, as well as to our visitors, and affiliates, who join us on a shorter term basis. The basic rules to be followed are:
Respect and support all members of IA:
- Be courteous in your interactions
- Refrain from personally critical comments
- Give colleagues a chance to voice their thoughts
- Respect the professional, physical, and personal boundaries of colleagues
- Clearly distinguish professional comments from opinions based on personal views
- Be aware of power differentials, and act to empower those in more junior positions
- Promote equity amongst colleagues and trainees in access to opportunities, including networking that happens in a social context
- Ensure that, when offered, criticism is constructive and aims to create positive discussion
- Avoid judging, discriminating, or making unwelcome jokes or disparaging remarks based on stereotypes
- Support those who report violations of the policy of FORTH
Commit to openness:
- Be receptive to discussions of ways to improve the work environment and work relationships
- Challenge your own assumptions about people and the sources of those assumptions
- Take it upon yourself to eliminate particular challenges or barriers to success that colleagues may face as members of under-represented groups
- Do not engage in any overt or perceived retaliation against others
Take initiative:
- Intervene when others are exhibiting conduct unbecoming of a community member
- Speak up when colleagues are disrespectful of a group or class of people, even when members of that group are not present
- Seek opportunities for education/training on diversity, inclusivity, reporting, and bystander intervention techniques, and encourage others to do the same
- Acquaint yourself with the FORTH Code of Conduct and the FORTH Gender Action Plan
Report violations:
The Institute of Astrophysics values the initiative of its members who identify and speak up about potential problems that need to be addressed. We thus strongly encourage members of our community to report suspected violations of the Code of Conduct to the Director of IA, Prof. Vassilis Charmandaris. However, if you feel that there may be a conflict of interest if the Director is involved, you are encouraged to contact Nick Kylafis, Professor Emeritus of the Dept. of Physics and affiliated faculty emeritus of IA-FORTH, who has agreed to act as Ombudsman in order to resolve any such situation.