Community Values
NITMB:
- Champions the fundamental principle of treating others with respect.
- Is committed to providing a safe research and work environment in which discrimination, harassment, stalking, bullying, hazing, and other abuse or acts or threats of violence are not tolerated.
- Expects its members, associates, and visitors to treat each other and those with whom they engage or collaborate on behalf of NITMB with respect, honesty, integrity, and civility, and avoid conduct that is unwelcome, offensive, obscene, or disorderly.
- Further expects its members to conduct their research, academic, and all other NITMB activities in accordance with the highest scientific, professional, and ethical standards.
All NITMB visitors are expected to follow this Code of Conduct.
Expectations for a Safe and Inclusive Work Environment:
It is the responsibility of all NITMB leaders, participating institutions, and their respective faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows and scholars, students, visitors, and all others who are, in each case, funded by, working with, visiting, or participating in an event organized by, NITMB (hereinafter referred to as NITMB “members and associates”) to foster a safe, inclusive, and harassment-free working environment for NITMB. As part of this responsibility, NITMB is providing this Code to visitors to document expectations for adherence to the following standards.
All NITMB members and associates must comply with policies, conduct standards, and health and safety guidelines applicable to work done as part of NITMB (including, without limitation, policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct), as well as the applicable policies and funding terms of the National Science Foundation and Simons Foundation, NITMB’s funding sponsors, and all applicable laws and regulations. NITMB visitors who do not have policies analogous to those listed below are obligated to familiarize themselves and comply with Northwestern University’s policies while they are visiting or participating in NITMB-organized activities.
Policies/Resources:
- Standards for Business Conduct
- Policy on Discrimination Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
- Policy on Non-Retaliation
- Whistleblower Protections
- Policy for Reviewing Alleged Research Misconduct
- Policy on Civility and Mutual Respect and Unacceptable Behaviors
- Consensual Romantic or Sexual Relationships Between Faculty, Staff, and Students
Third parties who have not completed similar training at their home institution shall be referred to the City of Chicago’s Sexual Harassment Training module. Visitors who may receive a visiting appointment with Northwestern will be required to adhere to Northwestern’s Research Visitors policy.
Conduct of NITMB Operations and Activities:
NITMB members and associates will demonstrate good stewardship and integrity while carrying out the operations and activities of the center. Nothing in the sections below is intended to supersede the applicable policies and funding terms of the National Science Foundation and the Simons Foundation, NITMB’s funding sponsors, or other relevant or more stringent policies of Northwestern or a member or associate’s home institution with which they may be obligated to comply, but are included as reminders of NITMB’s commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards.
Conflict of Interest or Commitment: NITMB understands that its members and associates may have been or may be involved in outside financial, business, professional, academic, public service, or other activities. NITMB members and associates must avoid allowing outside activities or commitments, familial or other relationships, and private financial or other interests, to compromise or appear to compromise their NITMB research, work, decision-making, or obligations, including purchasing decisions or vendor selection.
Use of NITMB Resources: All NITMB members and associates are responsible for preventing the misuse of NITMB resources, property, and other assets, including but not limited to, funds, information, intellectual property, facilities, equipment, networks, software, etc. NITMB resources are reserved for NITMB purposes and may only be used for lawful and authorized purposes. NITMB systems such as computers and e-mail may be used for reasonable and incidental personal use.
Confidentiality and Privacy: Each NITMB member and associate will keep confidential any unpublished research or results shared with them by other NITMB members they have not been authorized to share and will work to prevent misuse or unauthorized disclosure.
Reporting Responsibilities & Procedures:
Concerns about misconduct or other inappropriate behavior should be reported to the NITMB director or a central office within Northwestern, including University Compliance (university.compliance@northwestern.edu).
Potential policy violations will be referred to the relevant central office for any required follow-up. Northwestern reporting channels include: Discrimination or Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Research Integrity. Any concern can be submitted through Northwestern’s hotline and can be anonymous: EthicsPoint | phone: 866-294-3545.
Potential policy violations will be referred to the appropriate Northwestern office for any required investigation or other appropriate follow-up. If/when required, concerns will be reported to the National Science Foundation and the Simons Foundation, NITMB’s funding sponsors.
Retaliation: NITMB prohibits retaliation against any person for making a report in good faith or cooperating in an investigation. Individuals who take retaliatory action may be subject to corrective action by their home institution.
Violations:
Every NITMB member and associate is responsible for complying with these principles and for taking appropriate action to report and/or address observed misconduct. Members and associates who fail to comply with these principles, including failing to report misconduct in accordance with relevant policies, may be subject to corrective action by their home institution. NITMB leadership reserves the right to remove a visitor from NITMB-organized events or activities in the event of behavior that violates these expectations for a safe and inclusive work environment.
Engagement & Community Committee:
The NITMB is committed to creating a climate in which everyone feels safe, valued, and can excel. We want to build and maintain a supportive community that is a safe space to discuss, ask questions, and be explicit in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment to work and learn. Bringing together smart, talented people with diverse cultural and intellectual backgrounds is essential for maximizing the development of unique and creative scientific advances.
Resources:
Both Northwestern University and the University of Chicago are committed to creating and sustaining diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environments for students, faculty, and staff.