ICHST25 Larnach Castle Dunedin Dunedin NZ

RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOUR POLICY

The respectful behavior policy and the ombudsteam

As researchers, we all want to participate in conferences where we feel respected and accepted by other congress participants, whatever our background or differences. Regretfully, this is not always the case. At the DHST we do not tolerate behavior which results in people being disrespected or harassed because of who they are or what they believe. This is why we agreed on a policy to make sure that if someone at the conference behaves inappropriately towards others, there will be consequences.

Have you been in a situation where a colleague misbehaved towards you? Do you want to know what we can do to help you? Please do reach out to us, the DHST ombudsteam. We are here to help! You can contact the team directly through our mail address, ombuds@dhstweb.org (mailbox located in France). Or, if you are at the congress, you can also talk to one of us or reach out to us in any way that feels safe to you. Please let us know if you’d like to speak to someone specific on our team.

Presentation of the ombudsteam:

Janet 500 X500

Janet Brown

Janet Browne is a recently retired historian of science from Harvard University with a lot of experience of interactions at conferences and meetings.

Barbara 500 X500

Barbara Hof

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and will be attending the conference in Dunedin in person. Talk to me there in German, English, French or Spanish. I joined this team because I organized the DHST early career scholar workshop series this year; and I am someone who is easy to get in touch with and ask all kinds of questions confidentially. You can also contact me at barbara@dhstweb.org

Che Jiang (蒋澈)

I'm an Associate Professor in the Department of History of Science at Tsinghua University in China, where I delve into the history of natural history. I believe that we, as historians of science, share a fundamental understanding of the importance of an inclusive and supportive academic environment. Should you ever need to discuss any concerns, I'm here for a confidential and non-judgmental conversation. I can speak and write in both English and Chinese. Feel free to reach me at che@dhstweb.org, and and I'm very flexible on how we connect – we can set up an online meeting, use instant messaging tools that work for both of us, or meet in person if it's feasible.

Agathe Keller

I am a researcher with the CNRS in France. I am also an active trade-unionist (SNTRS-CGT). As such, I have followed and helped individuals and collectives in cases of moral harassment and sexual violence in scholarly settings- at times with the additional support of the lawyers of the AVFT . L’union fait la force—but in inclusive, safe and considerate collectives! In any case, do not hesitate to contact me even if it is just to ask a question or to debrief an eerie exchange- to think about it together.

Minakshi Menon

I’m a Research Associate at the Department of Social Studies of Medicine at McGill University. I live in Montreal, which is foodie heaven. Right now, I’m completing a project on the Hortus Indicus Malabaricus, which takes me often to Kochi in Kerala, India, where I was born –great food there, too. As a racialized person who has been at the receiving end of discriminatory practices, I take issues of discrimination very seriously. Please do get in touch if I can be of help to you. You can also contact me at minakshi@dhstweb.org

Don 500 X500

Don Opitz

Greetings! I care deeply about the personal safety and dignity of us all. With kindness and empathy, I am ready to listen to your concerns (in English or Spanish) about any uncomfortable situation you may have personally experienced or witnessed. Throughout my career as an historian of science, based at DePaul University in the USA, I have worked to cultivate and sustain a welcoming climate for all, particularly through my service in professional and community based initiatives that promote gender equity and inclusivity, and especially for members of our LGBTQ communities. You can also contact me at: don@dhstweb.org

Climerio 500 X500

Climério Silva Neto

I am a professor of history of science in Brazil and have previously served as ombudsman in my home institution. As a Black professor and the first in his family to access higher education, benefiting from affirmative action, I am committed to making academia a more welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Feel free to contact me in Portuguese, English, Russian, or Spanish. You can contact me at climerio@dhstweb.org

Mai 500 X500

Mai Sugimoto

I'm a professor at Kansai University in Japan and I was an ombudsperson there for several years. As an Asian researcher and a mom of two little kids, I've been involved in creating an inclusive and participatory research community. I am on the Science Council of Japan's Young Academy work-life balance initiative committee. I've also run discussions on respectful behavior policy at the History of Science Society of Japan. Feel free to talk to me or contact me in English or Japanese. You can contact me in person or send an email at mai@dhstweb.org or msgmt@kansai-u.ac.jp. If you would like to talk via Signal, let me know at the email first.