Version 1
Last edited 06.10.2026
1. Purpose and Scope
The primary mission of the European Society for Cognitive Psychology (ESCoP) is to advance scientific inquiry within the field of cognitive psychology by stimulating international collaboration and the robust exchange of information, as established in Article 2 of the Constitution. To facilitate this mission, ESCoP requires all members and event attendees to maintain a professional, respectful, and safe environment.
We are committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere that supports full participation from all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or career stage. This Code of Conduct applies to all activities of ESCoP, including biennial conferences, summer schools, thematic workshops, digital communications, and publications (including the Journal of Cognition).
2. Expected Professional Conduct
All members, authors, attendees, vendors, and sponsors are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional and scientific integrity to support ESCoP's mission:
- Scientific Integrity: Adhere to rigorous methodological standards, research ethics, and transparency. Open Science practices, including pre-registration and data sharing, are strongly encouraged to ensure broad access to scientific advancement.
- Constructive Exchange: Engage in rigorous scientific debate while remaining polite and respectful. Critique ideas, not individuals.
- Respectful Engagement: Treat all peers fairly. Senior members and established faculty must remain mindful of academic power dynamics and actively foster a supportive, non-exploitative environment for students, postdocs, and early-career researchers (ECRs).
- Equitable Participation: Contribute to an inclusive atmosphere during formal sessions and informal networking. Presenters should aim for clear, accessible communication, and session chairs should encourage balanced participation during Q&A segments.
3. Unacceptable Behavior
ESCoP maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for conduct that disrupts scientific exchange or harms the professional environment, including:
- Harassment and Discrimination: Any form of intimidation, bullying, or discriminatory behavior based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, nationality, or academic rank or other personal characteristic.
- Inappropriate Conduct: Unwelcome sexual attention, inappropriate physical contact, or offensive verbal comments.
- Scientific Misconduct: Plagiarism, data fabrication, or unethical peer-review practices.
- Disruption: Sustained or deliberate disruption of regular talks, symposia, poster presentations, or official society meetings.
4. Conference and Event Guidelines
In accordance with ESCoP Conference Guidelines, the Local Organizing Committee and the Executive Committee share responsibility for participant safety and logistical accessibility:
- Venue Compliance: Participants must respect all venue regulations, local laws, and safety protocols during ESCoP events.
- Accessibility: Organizers will strive to ensure venues are physically accessible and will work to accommodate recognized needs to allow all researchers to participate fully.
- Extended Scope: Professional standards of conduct remain fully in effect during all off-site gatherings, conference dinners, and informal social events associated with the society.
5. Reporting and Enforcement
If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately. ESCoP is committed to taking all reports seriously and handling them with discretion.
- During Conferences and Events: Reports can be made on-site to any member of the ESCoP Executive Committee or designated safety officers from the local organizing team. Contact information and a direct link to the ESCoP Incident Reporting Form will be provided in the conference program and event app. These officials will provide on-the-ground assistance and help securely route the formal report to the Secretary.
- Outside of Events: Violations can be reported directly via the standardized form to the Secretary of the Executive Committee, who serves as the designated authority for receiving and initially processing misconduct claims. If a complaint directly concerns or implicates the Secretary, participants should direct their report solely to the ESCoP President.
- The Secretary (or President) is strictly bound to maintain confidentiality while handling any report of misconduct. The identities of the reporting party and the accused, the specific allegations, and any submitted evidence will be siloed and disclosed exclusively to the specific Executive Committee members actively required to investigate and resolve the incident. Case details will not be shared with uninvolved committee members, the broader ESCoP membership, or third parties without explicit consent, except where mandated by law.
- Download the editable Incident Reporting Form here. Important: Please download the file before adding any personal information, as the online version is public. Once finished, send it to the responsible person listed above.
6. Enforcement and Consequences
The ESCoP Executive Committee reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary in response to a verified violation. Enforcement actions may include, but are not limited to:
- Immediate expulsion from the current conference, workshop, or summer school without a fee refund.
- Formal warnings or the revocation of Full or Associate membership status.
- Disqualification from future ESCoP activity funding, travel grants, and society awards (e.g., the Broadbent Prize, the Bertelson Award, etc).
- Restrictions on future publication or editorial roles within the Journal of Cognition.