Code of Conduct for CESifo
CESifo’s mission is to foster international economic discourse, strengthen the collaboration between the ifo Institute and the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) in Munich, and promote Munich as a European center of economic policy debate. To this end, we strive to create an inclusive and productive environment which promotes the exchange of research ideas, offers equal opportunities to all participants, and is free of harassment and discrimination. This hinges on the proactive involvement of all network members and conference participants. All members have a personal and collective responsibility to be models and promoters of professional conduct.
Free and frank discussions are essential to scientific exchange. Therefore, conference participants are expected to behave appropriately throughout all discussions. This includes observing the conventions of professional respect that scientific discourse demands:
- Respecting and valuing a range of opinions and points of view (including those that differ from one’s own),
- Maintaining open and respectful communication with fellow participants,
- Limiting criticism to aspects relevant to the topic of discussion.
In all its activities, CESifo does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment, irrespective of whether the contact is in-person or online. Forms of discrimination or harassment include:
- Unfair treatment of people because of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other attribute,
- Abusive language, whether verbally or written,
- Inappropriate behavior such as bullying, unwanted physical contact, stalking, sexual advances, and unwanted and inappropriate attention that create an intimidating, harmful, hostile, abusive, or threatening environment.
CESifo wants to promote wide participation of junior economists in conferences and facilitate their network building activities. Senior conference participants should be aware of the power dynamic between themselves, younger conference participants, including doctoral students. It is up to them to ensure that younger network members and conference participants can experience a professional environment free of harassment and discrimination.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination or harassment should report the incident to the CESifo employees responsible for the conference who will put the necessary steps in motion. Alternatively, reports can be submitted directly to Oliver Falck, CESifo Program Director, or to Stephanie Dittmer, member of the ifo Institute Executive Board.
As a matter of principle, reports of discrimination or harassment are treated confidentially. Should it be necessary to partially lift confidentiality to investigate the reported incident or to protect the rights of others, this will be discussed in advance with the person who submitted the report.
CESifo reserves the right to take measures and impose sanctions. These may include barring an individual from an event without warning, banning them from participating in future CESifo events, or terminating their membership in the CESifo network.
All members of the CESifo network must confirm that they are familiar with our Code of Conduct and accept its provisions.