The LZ Code of Conduct aspires to strengthen trust and mutual respect among collaborators to foster an inclusive collaboration environment supportive of sound scientific research. Every LZ member should read the Code, and follow both its spirit and letter, always bearing in mind that each of us has a personal responsibility to incorporate, and to encourage others to incorporate, the principles of the Code into our work.
The LZ collaboration is committed to a supportive work environment, where everyone has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge through academic excellence. This policy applies to all interactions between LZ collaborators although the formal policies of individual institutions take precedence. Some examples of interactions include collaborators’ in-person, virtual, or phone interactions, or any social or professional gathering both at formal institutions and during social events associated with the collaboration. LZ collaborators should act in concordance with a professional culture that fosters respectful interactions and a safe environment free of harassment, intimidation, bullying, bias, discrimination, or mistreatment of any kind. LZ collaborators must refrain from any actions or statements that denigrate other collaborators on the basis of personal characteristics or beliefs. This includes, among other actions, intimidation, disruptive, or harassing behavior of any kind, sexual or crude jokes and comments, offensive images, or any unwelcome physical contact. Please be aware that behaviors and language acceptable to one person may not be to another.
The conduct of LZ collaborators must be based on dedication to the highest scientific and technical standards. Collaborators are expected to perform research in a well documented and ethically sound manner. Falsification of data or results, plagiarism, violations of the LZ Publication Policy, taking credit for others’ work, or any other scientific misconduct will not be tolerated.
Unacceptable conduct may warrant further action. For example, code violations could result in consequences, up to sanctions by the IB according to the LZ Governance Policy.
If you have a question or ever think that one of your colleagues or the collaboration as a whole may be falling short of our commitment, don’t be silent. Your collaborators and leadership need to hear from you. You may report any misconduct to your supervisor, collaboration’s spokesperson, ombudspeople, meeting allies, or the Title IX or diversity officer of either your institution or the institution where the incident took place (see the LZ institutions resource list for details). LZ does not tolerate retaliation against any collaborator who reports or participates in an investigation of a possible violation of our Code, policies, or the law.
The intention of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that the collaboration is a welcoming place for everyone so if you see something that you think isn’t right – speak up!
This document borrows from the Code of Conducts of the American Physical Society, DES, DESI, Fermi LAT, Google, and T2K.