IAMCR offers an open, inclusive, and safe scholarly environment for members from all backgrounds and locations, one that recognises and is sensitive to issues of marginalization and vulnerabilities arising from particular identity positions. As such, the Association is committed to creating a collegial, welcoming space for all members, one that encourages discussion and resolution of any negative experiences that may arise for individuals during the course of interactions and events conducted by or under the aegis of IAMCR.
In order to maintain such an environment, all members are expected to abide by the following code of conduct in both online and offline spaces, and in individual and group communications of the Association, irrespective of medium. At all times, members should conduct themselves in accordance with the values that the Association would like to live and work by: mutual respect, empathy, intellectual and moral integrity, a commitment to open knowledge, and fair and just scholarly exchange.
Understanding our Code of Conduct
Unacceptable behaviours include but are not limited to the following:
- verbal abuse (experienced in person or online)
- verbal or physical actions that amount to bullying or harassment (unwanted sexual, racist, or other discriminatory or suggestive language, physical advances, touching that causes discomfort), particularly where there is a power differential between the parties
- use of authority to coerce or demand favors, including but not limited to those sexual in nature
- academic bullying or pressure
- creating an environment that causes or exacerbates discomfort and vulnerability, especially for those from marginalized groups and for younger members
Do
- Use respectful language that is mindful of diversity and difference.
- Seek consent before capturing and sharing images or content outside the context of presentations and panels
- Engage in healthy debate and discussion
- Be mindful of power differentials and act with empathy
Don't
- Make derogatory or potentially offensive comments either in person or through online/social media channels
- Indulge in deliberate intimidation or unwanted contact, including physical or online stalking, photography or recording, or undesired sexual attention
- Engage in disruptive behaviour during conference sessions, whether conducted online or offline
Individuals who are deemed to have violated the code of conduct may face consequences that the Association sees as appropriate, and could potentially lead to loss of membership or debarment from IAMCR events.
If you experience harassment or are witness to anyone being harassed, please get in touch with one of the Confidential Contact Persons (CCP) listed below. All complaints will be treated with utmost confidentiality. The mandate for the CCPs may be found here. You could also speak to your Section/Working Group Head or a member of the International Council, and in such cases, request anonymity on further reporting if you wish.
Adopted on: 29 April 2024
Confidential Contact Persons for 2026/2027:
Usha Raman: usha.raman@gmail.com
Usha (she/her) recently retired as professor at the University of Hyderabad in India, and served as Vice-President of IAMCR’s EB from 2020 to 2024. Her interests include feminist media studies, digital cultures, and science and health communication. She has participated in gender sensitization programmes and served on institutional complaints committees and ethics boards of several academic, research and civil society organizations. Now that she has (almost) escaped full time academia, she writes poetry and fiction, listens to podcasts, and sometimes loses herself in endless games of Scrabble.
Steph Hill: sh903@leicester.ac.uk
Steph (she/her) is lecturer at the University of Leicester, UK. Her research investigates how commercial interests and organisations are implicated in policy and regulatory processes, particularly in internet governance and environmental communication. She is chair of the Spinning Climate Change Working Group in the Climate Social Science Network and she has co-chaired the Emerging Scholars Network since 2019. Before moving to academia, Steph worked in a recycling yard, drew comics, and briefly worked in Canada’s book publishing industry. When she isn’t doing academia she hikes and goes birdwatching.
Rodrigo Cetina-Presuel: rodrigo.cetina@bsm.upf.edu
Rodrigo (he/him) is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Dean for Education and Academic Affairs at the UPF Barcelona School of Management. His body of research focuses on digital technologies and platform regulation, particularly on understanding and responding to disinformation during electoral periods to preserve the integrity of the process. He is the co-Chair of the IAMCR Law Section since 2019.
LOC Representative
Rounwah Bseiso: rounwah.bseiso@universityofgalway.ie
Rounwah is lecturer in global media and communication, and the MA Global Media Programme Director at the University of Galway. Her primary research interests are in media and political practices / communication, media literacy and disinformation, decolonial thought and practice, resistance narratives, and visual culture, with special emphasis on the Global South (in particular the Arab region, where she has lived in several different countries for over 25 years). She has worked in higher education and several international and civil organisations such as the United Nations, International Organization for Migration, and the Palestine Land Society.
