Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for the International Society for CNS Clinical Trials and Methodology (ISCTM)

  1. Purpose and Scope

The ISCTM is an independent, multidisciplinary organization devoted to advancing and disseminating clinical research methods in CNS therapeutics. To fulfill this mission, the ISCTM is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and productive environment that fosters open scientific dialogue and mutual respect, free of harassment and discrimination, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

This Code of Conduct (the Code) outlines the standards of behavior expected from all participants in ISCTM activities to foster responsible, ethical, and professional conduct and to promote an environment where all persons are treated with dignity and equity. As a professional society, ISCTM upholds the values of scientific integrity and ethical professionalism. This Code applies to all participants (including, but not limited to, ISCTM members, staff, meeting attendees, speakers, guests, and contractors, collectively referred to as “Participants”) in all ISCTM activities.

Violations of this Code will be addressed through established procedures, which may include warnings, corrective actions, participation limitations, expulsion, or other appropriate measures to uphold ISCTM’s standards.

By adhering to these standards, Participants help create a positive environment that enables the free exchange of scientific ideas, open discussions and collaboration, aligned with ISCTM’s mission to advance and disseminate clinical research methods in CNS therapeutics.

Scope: This Code applies to all ISCTM-related activities and interactions, including but not limited to:

  • In-Person Events: ISCTM conferences, scientific sessions, workshops, courses, committee meetings, and any social events sponsored or organized by ISCTM.
  • Online Platforms: ISCTM-sanctioned online forums (e.g., the ISCTM DocMatter community), webinars, virtual meetings, and other online communication channels used by participants in their role as ISCTM Participants.
  • Working Groups and Collaborations: All activities conducted by scientific working groups, project meetings, and collaborative research initiatives conducted within the scope of ISCTM’s scientific agenda.
  • Publications and Communications: ISCTM-sponsored publications, white papers, poster presentations, mentoring or training programs, and any communications or outreach associated with ISCTM.

Participation in any ISCTM activities or forums constitutes acknowledgment and agreement to adhere to these standards.

This Code does not create an employer-employee, principal-agent, or any legal relationship between ISCTM and any Participant. ISCTM strives for the uniform and equitable enforcement of this Code but acknowledges the unique nature of the varied interactions between Participants, and between Participants and the public, and reserves the sole right to investigate, enforce this Code, and take appropriate corrective or disciplinary actions, pursuant to its own discretion to maintain a professional environment that supports the free exchange of ideas and scientific progress. Participants agree that ISCTM’s decisions regarding conduct are final and binding, and that compliance with this Code is a condition of participation. Enforcement of this policy is in accordance with applicable laws and regulations to ensure a safe, professional environment for all.

  1. Standards of Behavior

Participants are responsible for their behavior and are accountable for complying with this Code. This Code is a set of principles that reflects ISCTM’s values and approach to professional and ethical conduct. It does not attempt to cover every professional or ethical situation that ISCTM or Participants may encounter. The following is a non-comprehensive list of standards of behavior that articulate the professional and ethical conduct that ISCTM strives to foster:

  • Respect and Courtesy:Treat all colleagues, attendees, and staff with respect and courtesy to foster civil and courteous discourse essential for healthy scientific exchange. Uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity, ethical conduct, and professionalism.
  • Supportive Environment:Foster a supportive, safe, and inclusive environment for scientific collaboration, free of harassment, discrimination, and intimidation. Promote collegiality, mentorship, and constructive engagement.
  • Compliance with Rules and Guidance: Adhere to all venue rules, posted guidelines, and instructions provided by event organizers. This includes complying with schedules, time limits, safety protocols, health measures, and any other policies in place. In digital or online forums, follow the platform’s acceptable use policies and maintain professional etiquette comparable to in-person interactions.
  • Uphold Scientific and Professional Standards of Integrity: All Participants are expected to conduct, present, and disseminate research honestly, transparently, and rigorously in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
  • Protecting Privacy and Confidentiality: Respect the privacy rights of others. Do not share or disclose personal information, research data, proprietary content, or communications from ISCTM forums without explicit permission. Unauthorized recording, reproduction, or distribution of presentation materials or discussions is strictly prohibited.
  • Responsibility to Report and Address Violations:All Participants share a responsibility for maintaining a professional and respectful environment. Conduct that breaches these standards, or circumstances that compromise the integrity, safety, or well-being of Participants or others involved in ISTCM activities, must be reported to ISCTM through the appropriate channels (please see Section 5). ISCTM will review, investigate where appropriate, and take action on all reports in an appropriate manner.
  1. Unacceptable Conduct

ISCTM is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all Participants. Any behavior that undermines these principles will not be tolerated. ISCTM reserves the right to take appropriate action, including, but not limited to, removal from events, expulsion as a member, and other disciplinary action against individuals who engage in conduct deemed unacceptable. Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Harassment or Discrimination: Participants must not engage in any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, abuse, vilification, and victimization, against any other individual. This discriminatory treatment could include characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, social origin, physical or mental disability, religion, family status, union membership, pregnancy, gender expression, or any other criteria that is unlawful under the applicable laws. Unlawful discriminatory treatment, unconsciously or consciously, will not be tolerated. This includes verbal, physical, visual, or online conduct such as slurs, epithets, derogatory jokes or insults, demeaning comments, bullying, or offensive imagery.
  • Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual nature are prohibited. This includes lewd remarks, sexual innuendos, inappropriate jokes, comments on physical attributes or sexual activities, unwanted touching, groping, or stalking, or displaying sexually explicit or suggestive material in any ISCTM venue. Any physical contact without clear voluntary consent is prohibited.
  • Bullying and Personal Attacks: Any form of bullying, intimidation, or personal attack, including yelling, insults, offensive remarks, targeted harassment, or attempts to publicly humiliate, is unacceptable. Personal insults or ad hominem attacks, especially those involving racist, sexist, or other derogatory language, are prohibited.
  • Threats or Violence: Threatening language or gestures, incitement of violence, or actual physical aggression are strictly prohibited. Immediate removal and disciplinary action will be taken against individuals involved in physical assault or aggressive behavior. Further, threatening language and gestures are unacceptable.
  • Disruptive Behavior: Disrupting presentations, discussions, or other proceedings, whether intentionally or through repeated misconduct, is not permitted and may result in removal from the event.
  • Invasion of Privacy or Boundary Violations: Unwelcome physical contact, invasive personal space behavior, or persistent attention after being asked to cease is a violation of personal boundaries and prohibited. Always respect personal and professional boundaries.
  • Retaliation: Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern, raises a complaint, or participates in an investigation under this Code is strictly forbidden. Intimidating, pressuring, or punishing an individual for speaking up about misconduct or for enforcing the Code undermines the safe environment ISCTM seeks to create.
  • Scientific Misconduct: Ethical breaches in research or professional practice are unacceptable conduct within ISCTM activities. This includes plagiarism, misrepresentation of research findings, or fabrication/falsification of data. All research presented at ISCTM forums must adhere to accepted scientific and ethical standards.
  • Other Illegal or Unethical Acts: Any activity that violates applicable laws or professional ethics during ISCTM events will not be tolerated.

This list is not exhaustive. Any conduct that contravenes the principles of respect, inclusion, and integrity, whether explicitly listed here or not, is considered a violation of this Code.

  1. Scientific and Professional Integrity

In addition to fostering a respectful and inclusive community, ISCTM is committed to upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity and professional ethics across all its activities. All Participants are expected to conduct, present, and disseminate research honestly, transparently, and rigorously in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards. To safeguard the credibility of ISCTM’s activities and protect the organization from liability, the following guidelines highlight ISCTM’s expectations for ethical scientific conduct:

  • Research Ethics and Compliance: Ensure that all research presented or discussed under ISCTM auspices is conducted in accordance with applicable ethical and regulatory standards. Maintaining integrity also means declaring any conflicts of interest that could be seen to influence the research (see Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement below). Participants are expected to uphold these principles in all ISCTM-related research and discussions.
  • Authorship and Publication Practices: ISCTM expects ethical conduct in all publications, presentations, and reports. Authorship should accurately reflect contributions – only individuals who have made a meaningful contribution to a research project or abstract (such as in study conception and design, data analysis, or writing) and who approve the final content should be listed as authors. Conversely, all who contributed significantly should be given appropriate credit (either as authors or in acknowledgments). Plagiarism is strictly prohibited – all text, data, and ideas drawn from others’ work must be properly cited. Duplicate publication of the same data without disclosure or permission, or failing to credit collaborators, is unethical. Participants are encouraged to follow recognized publication ethics guidelines (such as those of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)) to ensure transparency and fairness in authorship and peer review. Peer review conducted under ISCTM (for instance, reviewing abstracts or papers for ISCTM workshops or journals) should be done confidentially, respectfully, and without bias. All ISCTM publications and presentations should reflect rigorous methodological standards consistent with the ISCTM’s focus on sound clinical trial methodology.
  • Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement: When publishing or presenting, Participants must disclose any potential personal, financial, or professional interest or funding sources that could influence, or be perceived to influence, the objectivity or credibility of the work in a Conflict Disclosure Statement.
  • Data Integrity and Sharing: Upholding scientific integrity includes careful management of data. All data presented should be honestly obtained and properly analyzed using appropriate methods; any use of others’ data or instruments must be with permission and acknowledged. Manipulating images or data to mislead (e.g., improper cropping of images, selective reporting of favorable results) is a violation of ethics. ISCTM encourages transparency in research – where feasible, researchers should be prepared to share underlying data or analysis code for verification or further analysis by the community, consistent with patient confidentiality and intellectual property considerations. Negative or null results should not be hidden, and uncertainties should be communicated openly. If errors in data or analysis are identified, authors are expected to cooperate in issuing corrections or retractions as needed. By promoting honest data practices and appropriate data sharing, ISCTM aims to advance knowledge and collaboration in CNS trial methodology.
  • Collaboration and Collegiality: Collaboration is at the heart of ISCTM’s mission, which brings together academia, industry, regulators, and others to solve challenges in CNS research. All collaborative endeavors (such as ISCTM Working Groups, multi-author papers, or joint sessions) should be conducted in a spirit of openness, trust, and mutual respect. ISCTM Working Groups are expected to reflect the vision and culture of ISCTM, serving as public representatives of ISCTM’s values. This means working group members should maintain professionalism in all group communications and ensure that any output undergoes appropriate review and approval by the ISCTM Executive Committee. Acknowledging contributions is essential: significant intellectual or practical contributions by colleagues (including junior members, students, or support staff) should be recognized in publications or presentations. Senior researchers and leaders have a responsibility to mentor junior colleagues ethically, providing guidance, feedback, and appropriate credit for their work. Exploiting junior researchers or students (for example, by failing to credit their work or asking them to perform tasks outside the bounds of professional respect) is contrary to ISCTM’s standards. By cultivating a collaborative environment where credit and responsibility are shared, ISCTM enhances the quality and impact of its scientific work.

In summary, ISCTM members and participants must adhere to principles of honesty, transparency, accountability, and fairness in all scientific and professional activities associated with ISCTM. These integrity standards are fundamental to our credibility and to the advancement of CNS clinical trial methodology. Violations of scientific or professional ethics not only damage individual reputations but also the trust and progress of our entire field; therefore, they are taken very seriously under this Code.

  1. Reporting Violations and Grievance Procedures

ISCTM encourages all Participants to promptly report any violations of this Code, whether such violation was personally experienced or witnessed. Timely reporting enables ISCTM to take appropriate action to prevent further inappropriate conduct, uphold a safe and respectful environment, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. All reports will be handled with sensitivity and in accordance with legal obligations.

Reporting Options and Procedures:

  • On-Site at Meetings: If an incident occurs during an in-person event, you may report it directly to ISCTM leadership or staff present at the venue. This could include approaching an ISCTM meeting organizer, a member of the Executive Committee, or venue security personnel. When reporting, clearly indicate that your concern involves a potential violation of the Code of Conduct. In cases of immediate threats to safety or public safety, you should contact venue security or local authorities without delay.
  • Offline/After an Event: For issues that arise outside of live events or if you prefer to report privately, you may contact the ISCTM Executive Director or the Executive Committee through the official contact information published by ISCTM. Reports can be made anonymously or with your identity; ISCTM will treat all reports in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
  • Online Platforms: If misconduct occurs within the ISCTM online community, such as DocMatter platform or other online forums, please report the offending post or user through the platform’s reporting tools and/or notify ISCTM administrators via email. The moderators of ISCTM’s online forums are empowered to enforce the Code and address problematic content swiftly.
  • No Retaliation or Barriers to Reporting: Participants are not required or expected to confront an alleged offender or to resolve the issue. ISCTM expressly prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a good-faith report of misconduct. However, submitting a report in bad-faith or known to be false undermines the integrity of this process and will itself be treated as a violation of the Code of Conduct. If a Participant feels unsafe or uncomfortable making a report with their name attached, the Participant may report anonymously or ask someone else to make the report on their behalf. We encourage Participants to provide as much detail as possible (what happened, when and where, who was involved or witnessed it) to facilitate a thorough review. However, even if there is only limited information available, do not hesitate to report, no adverse action will be taken against anyone making a report in good faith even if the facts cannot be substantiated. ISCTM is committed to protecting all individuals from retaliation and will take appropriate measures to safeguard complainants.

All reports will be addressed in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and ISCTM policies. ISCTM may need to conduct investigations, share information with relevant authorities if required by law, and take disciplinary action, including removal from events or expulsion as a member, where appropriate. Participants agree to cooperate with such investigations and to provide truthful, complete information to support the process.

Handling of Reports: When a report is made, ISCTM leadership will take prompt steps to review and address the situation:

  • Initial Response: The Society will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and may ask the reporting individual for additional information if needed. If the situation is ongoing (for example, harassment occurring during a multi-day meeting), steps may be taken immediately to ensure safety (such as separating individuals). Anyone who reports an incident will not be required to confront or communicate with the alleged offender as a prerequisite for ISCTM taking action.
  • Investigation: ISCTM Officers, Executive Director, Executive Committee, will promptly and impartially investigate the reported incident. This process typically involves fact-finding: speaking separately with the person who reported the issue, the alleged offender, and any witnesses or others involved.  
  • Resolution and Follow-Up: After reviewing the facts, the ISCTM Officers or investigators will present their findings and recommendations to the ISCTM Executive Committee (or an authorized subgroup of it) for a decision pursuant to the procedure set forth in Article VII, paragraph 9 of the Bylaws. If a violation of the Code is found to have occurred, the Society will decide on appropriate corrective actions or sanctions (see Section 6, Disciplinary Measures and Consequences). The outcome might range from no action (if a misunderstanding is resolved or no evidence of a violation is found) up to expulsion for confirmed misconduct.
  • Protection and Support: ISCTM is committed to protecting individuals who report misconduct. Retaliation of any form against reporters or witnesses is a separate violation of this Code (as noted above) and will result in disciplinary action if it occurs. If needed, ISCTM will take steps to prevent reporters/witnesses from suffering adverse consequences (for instance, by shielding a reporter’s identity to the extent possible, or by addressing any retaliatory behavior immediately).

Please remember that raising a concern in good faith is encouraged, even if you are unsure whether a behavior fully violates the Code. ISCTM would much prefer to hear about an issue early than to have someone stay silent and possibly endure ongoing misconduct. ISCTM cannot address problems that it does not know about. It is committed to treating all reports seriously and fairly, and to preserving the welcoming environment of our community.

  1. Disciplinary Measures and Consequences

Any Participant found to have violated the ISCTM Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action. The disciplinary measures will depend on the severity, persistence, and nature of the violation, as well as the context in which it occurred. Potential consequences for Code of Conduct violations include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Verbal or Written Warning (Reprimand).
  • Removal from Any ISCTM Activity, including events, working groups, committees, appointments, and positions.
  • Limitations or Conditions on Membership and Membership Rights.
  • Suspension of Membership or Attendance Privileges.
  • Ban from Future Events or Termination of Membership
  • Notification of Other Authorities
  • Other Actions: ISCTM may implement other appropriate measures as needed.

The provisions of this Code and any corrective or disciplinary actions taken under it do not limit, waive, or otherwise impair any rights, obligations, or remedies established under applicable law. Legal or regulatory proceedings may be pursued independently of this Code.

  1. Enforcement Responsibility

The ISCTM Executive Committee (or designated Ethics/Conduct subcommittee formed by the Executive Committee) is charged with interpreting and implementing this Code, including handling reports, investigations, and disciplinary decisions. The Executive Committee shall have full authority, in its discretion, to designate an independent agent, investigator, or special committee to review and investigate any report of conduct that may constitute a violation of this Code. Any such designee shall have the powers necessary to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry, including the authority to gather information, interview witnesses, review relevant documents, and prepare a written report of findings and recommendation.

  1. Commitment to Inclusion, Safety, and Mutual Respect

ISCTM is committed to fostering an environment of inclusion, safety, and mutual respect for all individuals.

Through this Code of Conduct, ISCTM reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a professional environment free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, where everyone – from new trainees to veteran researchers, academicians, industry members, regulatory staff, to lay participants  – can contribute and benefit. It is committed to providing a safe forum for open dialogue and debate, where disagreements are handled respectfully and every Participant’s voice can be heard.

ISCTM’s leadership stands behind this Code. The Executive Committee and officers will diligently enforce these principles and continuously strive to improve policies and practices to better support the ISCTM community. It encourages all Participants to not only abide by the Code but to actively champion its values. Through collective effort, we can ensure ISCTM remains a trusted environment where scientific innovation is accelerated through collaboration built on trust, respect, and shared ethical standards.