SERG Code of Conduct
SERG Network
Code of conduct
SERG (Social and Ethical Research in Genomics) exists to provide an interdisciplinary collaborative forum for researchers of all career stages who are exploring the social and/or ethical implications of genomic medicine. SERG serves as both a network to promote relevant events and information, as well as hosting a series of data workshops.
Data workshops provide a welcoming and reflective space for researchers to bring raw data from their projects (ideally works in progress, although completed project data will also be accepted) for the purposes of conceptual enhancement with colleagues, the identification of cross-cutting research themes, mutual learning, networking and research agenda setting. The workshops will be open to all those with an interest in SERG issues, including clinicians, charities, students, advisory groups and policy makers, and each workshop will be structured around a core theme (e.g. lived experience, risk), with up to a maximum of three presenters at each workshop.
For SERG to operate effectively, contribute to a positive research culture, and to safeguard data, all attendees and presenters must consent to a code of conduct before attending, as set out below:
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All attendees must agree not to share, copy, or otherwise distribute data shared at a data imaginaries workshop for any purpose.
Data provided in advance of a workshop will only be available to view in the SERG portal or via secure link and cannot be saved. Virtual workshops will not be recorded and where these are held in-person, use of phones or any other device capable of data capture will not be permitted during research data presentation.
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Intellectual property rights must be acknowledged appropriately. Where the SERG community (or individuals within it) have made a substantial contribution to data analyses, their role must be acknowledged within any subsequent publications arising from that analysis.
It is anticipated that collaborative, mutually supportive relationships will become established through participation in data imaginaries workshops. Presentation of emerging analyses to the SERG community may be considered part of a rigorous analysis process, however, appropriate and proportionate acknowledgement of the role of SERG and/or SERG members is expected. For example, we would encourage all presenters to acknowledge presenting their data at SERG within the methods of relevant papers, where discussion influenced their analysis or conclusions. Substantive contributions from individuals should be acknowledged appropriately, for example, where discussion at SERG led to further collaboration. As is good practice during all collaborations, we would encourage all parties to discuss their expectations, responsibilities, and acknowledgement/authorship at the start of their collaboration.
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Respectful and sensitive conduct is expected from both participants and presenters at all SERG events.
As SERG work can often touch on complex sensitive topic areas, workshop participants and presenters are required to consider their use of language when expressing their views, as well as their research data. Trigger warnings may be deemed appropriate in certain circumstances. Fostering a supportive and positive culture for researchers, whereby emotional harms to researchers themselves are considered, is a key aim of the SERG network.
To safeguard research participants and researchers, all SERG members wishing to attend a data workshop must adhere to our Code of Conduct. Members not adhering to the code may be asked to leave meetings and/or will be denied access to future meetings.
Should you wish to proceed with booking a place at a workshop, please check the box where indicated on the booking form to document your acceptance of, and agreement to abide by, SERG’s code of conduct as outlined above.
Should you wish to discuss the code or are unsure about how the code may apply to you then please contact the SERG team directly at sergnetwork@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window. Any concerns that arise during workshops can also be directed to a member of the organising team.