Bjerknes Centre Inclusion Code of Conduct

The Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research (BCCR) is a collaboration where researchers, students, and staff from four partners come together to do our best work.

BCCR is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. We embrace and celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives, ethnicity, gender, and cultural backgrounds that each member brings to our collaboration. At BCCR we strive to foster an environment where people are respected, valued, and empowered, where we all help to promote and sustain an inclusive environment. The guiding principle in this CofC is respect—articulating the principles that govern interactions at BCCR.

BCCR strives to foster diversity among our organizers, attendees, and presenters at our meetings with respect to, among others, career stage, ethnicity, gender, culture, and scientific approaches, and encourages organizers to keep this in mind. 

The Bjerknes CofC does not replace policies at our partner institutions; it guides the behavior and conduct expected from all members of the BCCR community and of participants in BCCR organized and funded activities, events, and collaborations. 

In return, BCCR always expects professional and respectful conduct from attendees:

• BCCR acknowledges the rights of individuals to free expression that adheres to principles of collegiality.

• Harassment, bullying, racism, sexism and discrimination of any kind, incivility, hostility, or microaggression is inconsistent with BCCR values. Avoid slang or idioms that might not translate across cultures.

• Treat others with dignity and respect, act with civility and refrain from abuse of power, coercion, intimidation, or censorship.

• Foster teamwork and participation, ensure that diverse perspectives are heard. Seek insights from people with different experiences and backgrounds.

• Foster a safe, open, accessible, and respectful environment where we act honestly and transparently, inform, engage, and empower a supportive environment in which all members of our community can fulfill their obligations and aspirations.

• Support the development of the next generation of climate scientists through fostering an environment of encouragement and cooperation with equitable access to scientific knowledge, expertise, and resources.

• Address and report inappropriate behavior and comments that are discriminatory, harassing, abusive, offensive, or unwelcome.

• Confront the decisions or behaviors of others that may be based on conscious or unconscious biases, reflect on our own biases.

• Be open-minded and listen when given constructive feedback regarding others' perception of your conduct.

Academic freedom of expression comes with the responsibility to follow the norms and standards that apply in the research community, such as scientific method, ethics, objectivity, and recognition of past work. 

Academic freedom of expression is a prerequisite for good research and communication.

At BCCR we:

• Use our freedom of expression and information, are honest and careful with facts.

• Seek the truth, support those who mediate, and welcome dissenting voices.

• Are open readers and listeners and are reasonable and generous colleagues.

• Interpret our opponents' arguments in the best way possible - for them.

• Argue based on the merits, not the person (i.e., eschew ad hominem attacks).

• Be courteous and friendly, even if you disagree. Engagement strengthens our community.

• Allow for and acknowledge mistakes, yours as well as others.

• Believe that changing one's view is not a shame, it is an academic virtue.

• Support original and new thoughts - without prejudice.

• Present ourselves thoughtfully, we are ambassadors for the center and academia.

At BCCR everyone has a unique background and qualities, and we make sure every individual feel welcomed and valued and seek to understand a variety of viewpoints and perspectives. BCCR is committed to take the following actions in support of DEI:

• Continuous focal topic within the Bjerknes Leadergroup.

• Identify areas where BCCR supports inclusive practices, as well as areas for growth.

• Regularly reengage the broader center on DEI topics.

BCCR members are expected to report incidents that violate this code of conduct by contacting the Bjerknes administration.