RC21 Conference Code of Conduct and Care

Our conferences aim to enable our members to advance the field of Urban and Regional Studies through the free exchange of evidence-based research and scholarly opinions. Robust academic discussions and critiques of ideas, concepts, and processes, in the spirit of academic freedom of speech, must be done in accordance with this code of conduct.

We are committed to creating a conference environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to participate fully, regardless of their background, identity, or career stage. We believe that open academic dialogue flourishes in an atmosphere of mutual respect, collegiality, and care.

We warmly welcome participants from diverse disciplinary, cultural and geographical backgrounds and invite everyone to contribute to a conference that is inclusive, respectful and free from harassment.

Academic Integrity

We expect all participants to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. This includes presenting original work, accurately attributing sources and the ideas of others, and refraining from any conduct that misrepresents research findings or the contributions of colleagues. Senior scholars, keynote speakers, and session chairs are especially encouraged to model these standards in all academic interactions.

Respect and Inclusion

We are committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and intimidation. We do not tolerate classism, racism, sexism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ableism, or any other form of discrimination or abusive behaviour based on actual or perceived ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, religion, language, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, physical appearance, socio-economic background, or any other protected characteristic.

Everyone attending the conference shares responsibility for contributing to an atmosphere of openness, respect, and constructive scholarly exchange, including when discussing challenging, including those about difficult, challenging, or contested topics or contested topics.

Unacceptable Behaviour

Harassment includes, but is not limited to the following in-person and online behaviour:

  • Sustained disruption of sessions, talks, or presentations.
  • Disrespectful, discriminatory, or demeaning language or behaviour.
  • Threats or acts of violence, including verbal, psychological, or physical abuse.
  • Unwanted or non-consensual physical contact.
  • Unwelcome sexual attention or inappropriate comments.
  • Harassing or non-consensual photography, recording, or online dissemination of images.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
  • Deliberate misgendering or repeated disregard of an individual’s stated identity.
  • Advocating for, encouraging, or knowingly facilitating any of the behaviours listed above.

Looking After One Another

Please be mindful of your own wellbeing and respectful of other people’s boundaries. If you experience or witness behaviour that is inconsistent with this Code, or if you notice someone who may be in distress, we encourage you to contact a member of the Local Organising Team or the RC21 Board who will deal with the issue confidentially.

 

Our Shared Commitment

We believe that excellent scholarship is built upon openness, critical dialogue, mutual respect, and care. Every participant — regardless of career stage or role — shares responsibility for upholding these values, and those in senior or facilitative roles have a particular duty to lead by example. Thank you for helping us make the RC21 Conference a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space where everyone can participate fully, exchange ideas freely, and contribute to a vibrant international scholarly community.

By attending the conference, all participants — including presenters, chairs, organisers, volunteers, exhibitors and staff — agree to uphold the principles outlined in this Code of Conduct and Care throughout all conference activities, whether academic, social or online.

This code of conduct and care is in compliance with the code of conduct of our host institution, the University of Vienna.