DEI Statement

Fostering the next generation of scientists

The purpose of the 2024 Symposium on the Immune System of Bacteria is to bring together the emerging community of researchers studying bacterial phage defense and the connection between the bacterial immune system and early evolution of plant and animal antiviral immunity.

The 2024 Symposium on the Immune System of Bacteria will be the first to convene the forming international community in the US, and will be crucial for charting paths forward in the field and training the next generation of scientists in a rapidly emerging topic in contemporary microbiology. Beyond research science, a strong organizational focus of the conference is inclusion of underrepresented communities and geographical diversity. Invited speakers include representatives from 9 countries. Current invited speakers include equal female and male scientists, and the organizers will ensure the final speaker agenda highlights a diverse pool of speakers, early career junior faculty in the field, and trainee talks.

The 2024 Symposium on the Immune System of Bacteria provides a unique opportunity to create a diverse and inclusive environment within the field and enhance the training of the next generation of scientists studying bacterial immunity and the host responses that control infectious disease. Key initiatives within the conference include speaker selection, dedicated time to promote diversity with a data presentation and live survey addressing inclusivity within the community, and specific advertisement and outreach within underrepresented communities and women in science networks. In addition to 18 talks highlighting the science of early-career researchers, the next generation of scientists will be supported by offering a program to partner with senior scientists for mentoring and presentation rehearsal sessions. The effectiveness of these actions will be evaluated through a post-conference survey and the organizers will advocate for the implementation of similar initiatives in other meetings aiming to foster an inclusive culture in science. Uniting the major science and community building goals of the symposium, the 2024 Symposium on the Immune System of Bacteria has three main objectives:

1) Bring together the community of researchers studying bacterial phage defense
2) Exchange unpublished data and establish priority questions in basic science understanding of bacteria-virus interactions
3) Provide an inclusive environment to foster the next generation of scientists

Access to daycare

To increase accessibility to all members of the community, the conference venue features support nearby for care of children and other family members that may be traveling with attendees. Please contact the Longwood Medical Area Child Care Center LMACCC (https://www.lmaccc.org) and Bright Horizons Family Center (https://www.brighthorizons.com).

Meeting code of conduct

1. Introduction
We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants at the 2024 Symposium on the Immune System of Bacteria conference. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations and guidelines for behavior during the conference.

2. Expected Behavior
• Respect: Treat all participants, including attendees, speakers, organizers, and staff, with respect and kindness, regardless of their background, gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic.
• Inclusivity: Embrace diversity and foster an inclusive atmosphere. Make an effort to include and engage with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
• Professionalism: Maintain a high standard of professionalism in all interactions, discussions, and presentations during the conference.
• Collaboration: Encourage and facilitate constructive collaboration, discussion, and networking among attendees.
• Privacy: Respect the privacy and confidentiality of other participants. Do not share information without consent.
• Compliance: Abide by all applicable laws and regulations, as well as the conference's policies and guidelines.

3. Unacceptable Behavior
The following behaviors are not tolerated:
• Harassment: Harassment of any form, including but not limited to verbal, written, or physical abuse, is strictly prohibited.
• Discrimination: Discrimination or derogatory comments based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other personal characteristic will not be tolerated.
• Intimidation: Intimidation, stalking, or any form of threatening behavior is unacceptable.
• Invasion of Privacy: Do not invade the privacy of others, including taking photos or recording without consent.
• Disruption: Any disruption of conference sessions, presentations, or activities is discouraged.

4. Reporting Violations
If you witness or experience any violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately to a conference organizer or staff member. We take all reports seriously and will address them promptly and appropriately.

5. Consequences
Conference organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action in response to violations of this Code of Conduct. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, verbal warnings, removal from conference sessions, or expulsion from the conference without a refund.

6. Contact Information
If you need to report a violation or have any questions or concerns regarding this Code of Conduct, please contact: aude.bernheim@pasteur.fr

Thank you for your cooperation in making a respectful and inclusive event for all participants. We look forward to your contribution and participation.