Safety Plan

The Biomarkers of Aging Conference is firmly dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. Our top priority is ensuring that participants can engage in scientific discourse and networking in a secure setting. We have implemented comprehensive safety measures and a strict code of conduct to maintain a respectful atmosphere throughout the conference.

 

Expectations of behavior: We expect all attendees of the Biomarkers of Aging Conference to exhibit professional and respectful behavior throughout the event. This includes treating fellow participants, speakers, staff, and venue personnel with courtesy and consideration. The conference has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation based on gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, religion, or any other protected characteristic. Disruptive or illegal behavior, including but not limited to verbal abuse, physical aggression, or violation of venue rules, will not be tolerated. Our goal is to create an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and professional relationships fostered in a spirit of mutual respect and scientific inquiry.

 

Harassment of any form will not be tolerated at the Biomarkers of Aging Conference. Behaviors considered harassing include, but are not limited to:

  • Unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention

  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following

  • Sustained disruption of talks or other conference activities

  • Offensive verbal comments or jokes related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics

  • Inappropriate use of sexual images in public spaces

  • Unwelcome photography or recording without consent

  • Persistent and unwanted romantic or sexual advances

  • Derogatory comments or slurs targeting specific ethnic or racial groups

  • Threats of violence or retaliation

  • Sharing of offensive or explicit material without consent

  • Bullying or belittling behavior based on professional status or experience

 

How to report violations of this policy: Attendees may approach any of the conference organizers, email conference@agingconsortium.org, or visit www.agingconsortium.org/code-of-conduct to make a confidential report. All reports will be handled with the strictest confidence. The organizers, together with consortium’s Executive Committee, will review each report on a case-by-case basis. Individuals found to have violated this policy will be removed from the conference without refund, prohibited from attending future Biomarkers of Aging Conferences, and may be reported to the authorities if appropriate.

 

Questions, concerns, or complaints about harassment may also be brought to the conference organizers or the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Civil Rights Complaints may be filed through the OCR website at www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/. Filing a complaint with HHS OCR does not require filing a complaint with the conference organizers; likewise, filing a complaint with the conference organizers does not prohibit filing a complaint with HHS OCR.

 

This conference is being partially supported by NIH. Further resources, including a form to notify NIH about concerns or inappropriate conduct including but not limited to harassment and discrimination, may be found at https://grants.nih.gov/policy-and-compliance/policy-topics/harassment/find-help.