Agreement to these principles is required upon registration.
Code of Conduct & Awareness – Academic Freedom Forum
This forum provides a space for academic exchange grounded in mutual respect, openness, and sensitivity to diverse life experiences. We are committed to fostering an environment in which all participants—whether attending in person or online—can engage in a fair, safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free setting.
Guided by the RUB Codex for Freedom and Diversity, the following principles establish a framework for respectful interaction and equitable participation. All participants, speakers, organizers, and supporters are expected to uphold them.
Diversity, Respect & Inclusivity
We recognise and value all dimensions of diversity, including but not limited to gender identities and sexual orientation, ethnic and cultural background, religion, physical and health status, age, socio-economic background, and family responsibilities.
We believe that scientific excellence transcends disciplinary boundaries and benefits from a wide range of perspectives. Contributions from all academic fields and from participants at every career stage or status group are equally valued. Open discussion and the exchange of differing viewpoints are encouraged, provided they are conducted respectfully. Our aim is to inspire curiosity, promote dialogue, and foster an inclusive and fair conference culture.
Everyone shares the responsibility for contributing to creating a safe space grounded in fairness, diversity, and academic openness. Together, we shape the conditions for constructive exchange and build a community based on respect, curiosity, and trust. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and are grateful for your participation.
Accessibility, Wellbeing, and Identity Protection
We strive to ensure the forum is as accessible and barrier-free as possible. Conscious that some attendees face heightened security challenges, we have put in place special identity protection measures.
Participants will have the opportunity to communicate their consent or non-consent to being filmed or photographed during the events by using colored badges or, in digital or online events, through additions to their username. In addition to this, we will set up photo-free zones in each lecture or workshop room.
Every participant agrees not to record any audio or video material of any contribution, in whole or in part, let alone to publish them, nor to download material of other participants without express consent of everyone involved.
Please approach us if you feel that your privacy needs additional protection. We will discuss how we can accommodate your individual needs, e.g. through using a pseudonym. Participants with specific needs (such as mobility support or privacy considerations) are encouraged to indicate these during registration. Please write an email to:
Awareness & Support Structures
Members of the organising team will be present and clearly identifiable throughout the forum at the information desk. They are available to provide confidential support in cases of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or other inappropriate behavior, and will act in the best interests of those affected. If you experience or witness conduct that violates these principles, please contact the organising team promptly.
Dealing with Incidents
Violations of these principles may result in measures ranging from clarifying discussions to exclusion from the conference, as determined by the organising team. Decisions will be made in consultation with professionals from the Antidiscrimination Office of Ruhr University Bochum, with priority given to the safety and well-being of those affected.
Academic Freedom Forum 9-11 June 2026 in Bochum