BrisBio Code of Conduct 2026
BrisBio Initiative (in affiliation with COMBINE/ABACBS)
Effective: February 2026
Review Date: December 2027
Prepared by: Jade Clarke
Role: BrisBio Founder and Lead | PhD Candidate, QUT | QLD Events and Training Coordinator, COMBINE
1. Purpose
This Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for professional, ethical, inclusive, and respectful behaviour across all BrisBio activities.
BrisBio operates as an unofficial subgroup within COMBINE (ABACBS Student Group). This Code aligns with ABACBS governance principles and broader academic and professional standards.
The purpose of this Code is to:
- Foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment
- Promote integrity and professional excellence
- Protect participants, volunteers, and sponsors
- Provide clear processes for reporting and resolving concerns
2. Scope
This Code applies to all individuals participating in or representing BrisBio, including:
- Organising Committee members
- Advisory Committee members
- Volunteers
- Event participants
- Speakers and panelists
- Sponsors and exhibitors
- Online community members
- Contractors or service providers
It applies to:
- In-person events
- Online events
- Social media engagement
- Email communications
- Slack and other community platforms
- All BrisBio-branded activities
3. Core Principles
All participants are expected to:
- Act with integrity and honesty
- Treat others with dignity and respect
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Communicate professionally and constructively
- Contribute positively to the community
- Uphold the reputation of BrisBio, COMBINE, and ABACBS
4. Expected Behaviour
Participants must:
- Be courteous, respectful, and collaborative
- Value diverse perspectives and lived experiences
- Provide constructive and professional feedback
- Respect confidentiality where required
- Comply with applicable laws and institutional policies
- Follow event rules and platform guidelines
- Seek consent before recording or sharing content
- Declare conflicts of interest
- Engage in good faith during discussions and debates
Sponsors and speakers must:
- Ensure content is professional and relevant
- Avoid misleading claims
- Respect diversity and inclusion standards
- Comply with agreed sponsorship terms
5. Unacceptable Behaviour
The following behaviours are not tolerated:
Harassment & Discrimination
- Harassment of any kind (verbal, written, visual, or physical)
- Discrimination based on gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, nationality, or any protected characteristic
- Sexual harassment or unwelcome advances
Intimidation & Abuse
- Threats, coercion, or intimidation
- Bullying (including repeated hostile or undermining conduct)
- Deliberate exclusion or marginalisation
Professional Misconduct
- Misuse of authority or position
- Undisclosed conflicts of interest
- Academic dishonesty
- Misrepresentation of affiliation
- Unauthorised use of BrisBio branding or logos
Event & Platform Misconduct
- Disruptive behaviour during events
- Recording or distributing content without permission
- Sharing confidential materials without authorisation
- Posting inflammatory, defamatory, or harmful content online
6. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
BrisBio is committed to:
- Creating accessible and welcoming events
- Encouraging participation from underrepresented groups
- Promoting equitable speaking and leadership opportunities
- Supporting early-career researchers and students
- Removing structural barriers where possible
Accessibility needs should be communicated in advance to allow reasonable accommodations.
7. Professional Standards
All members and representatives must:
- Represent BrisBio accurately and in good faith
- Avoid misrepresentation of roles or authority
- Act in ways that maintain community trust
- Protect confidential information
- Uphold academic and professional integrity
Committee members must:
- Declare conflicts of interest
- Recuse themselves where appropriate
- Avoid preferential treatment
8. Reporting Concerns
Concerns may be reported to:
- Program Lead
- Deputy Lead
- Designated Integrity Officer (if appointed)
- COMBINE Executive (if appropriate)
Reports may be made:
- In writing (email)
- Verbally (documented by recipient)
- Confidentially
Anonymous reports may be accepted, though investigation may be limited by available information.
9. Investigation Process
All complaints will:
- Be acknowledged promptly (typically within 5 business days)
- Be handled confidentially to the extent possible
- Be assessed impartially
- Follow principles of procedural fairness
The process may include:
- Gathering statements
- Reviewing documentation
- Consulting relevant parties
- Seeking external mediation if required
Where appropriate, matters may be escalated to ABACBS or relevant institutional authorities.
10. Consequences of Breach
Breaches of this Code may result in:
- Informal discussion or warning
- Formal written warning
- Removal from committee or volunteer role
- Revocation of speaking privileges
- Exclusion from events
- Termination of sponsorship agreement
- Referral to ABACBS or external authorities
Consequences will be proportionate to the severity and context of the conduct.
11. Protection from Retaliation
No individual will suffer retaliation for making a good-faith report under this Code.
Retaliation is itself considered a breach of this Code and may result in disciplinary action.
12. Confidentiality & Record Keeping
- Reports will be documented securely.
- Access will be limited to appropriate leadership.
- Information will be handled in accordance with privacy principles.
13. Alignment with Governance
This Code operates within:
- COMBINE governance structure
- ABACBS policies
- Relevant institutional and legal frameworks
Where conflicts arise, ABACBS policies take precedence.
14. Review of Code
This Code will be reviewed:
- Every two years, or
- Earlier if governance changes require updates
Amendments must be approved by the BrisBio Organising Committee and acknowledged by COMBINE leadership where required.