1. Purpose and Scope
The European International Studies Association (EISA) is committed to providing a professional, inclusive, and respectful environment for scholarly exchange. This Code of Conduct gives practical effect to EISA’s mission statement commitment to ‘ethical academic engagement’ and ‘universal principles of human rights’.
The EISA Constitution (Article IV/4) provides that members may lose membership ‘due to unprofessional conduct, while the member accused must be granted the right to be heard in advance’. This Code sets out the standards of professional conduct expected at EISA activities.
This Code applies to everyone participating in EISA activities, including attendees, speakers, panel organisers, and board members, regardless of membership status. It covers all EISA-organised activities and spaces: PEC, EWIS, workshops, online events, and official EISA online spaces including social media. The same standards apply in physical and virtual settings.
2. Core Principles
Respect, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination. Everyone participating in EISA activities is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of status, career stage, institutional affiliation, or background. Participants should be mindful of the impact of their words and actions, particularly on those in more vulnerable positions. EISA is committed to creating environments where all can participate fully, free from discrimination based on gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, immigration status, or other characteristics.
Safety and Wellbeing. Participants should be able to engage in EISA activities without fear of harassment, bullying, or harm. EISA takes responsibility for fostering safe environments at its events and in its spaces.
Academic Freedom. Robust scholarly debate is essential to our discipline; critique of ideas, theories, and arguments is encouraged and protected. Harassment, intimidation, and attempts to silence scholarly perspectives are incompatible with academic freedom.
Accountability and Transparency. EISA commits to clear processes for raising concerns, responding appropriately, and protecting those who report in good faith from retaliation.
Conduct incompatible with these principles includes harassment, discrimination, bullying, sexual misconduct, attempts to silence scholarly perspectives, and retaliation.
3. Review
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed by the Governing Board at least every three years, or sooner if circumstances require.
The EISA board, May 2026
EISA Code of Conduct, Response Procedures
These procedures set out how EISA will respond to concerns raised under the Code of Conduct. At all times, EISA acts within the constraints set by law.
1. Reporting
Anyone who experiences or witnesses conduct that may violate the Code is encouraged to report it. Reports can be made through either of the following channels:
The Academic Values portfolio holder: for direct, personal contact with the designated board member.
Online form via the EISA website: for those who prefer not to make initial contact by email. Reports submitted through this form may be anonymous; however, anonymous reports naming specific individuals may be more difficult to act upon, and EISA may not be able to proceed if it cannot contact the reporter for further information.
At PEC and EWIS: the EISA desk will serve as an additional point of contact for immediate concerns. Reports may be made in writing or verbally. Reports will be treated confidentially to the extent possible while allowing for appropriate response.
2. Assessment
Reports will be acknowledged within five working days (where the reporter is identifiable). A preliminary assessment will be conducted by the Academic Values portfolio holder and another member of the Governing Board to determine whether further action is warranted. Where a member of the Governing Board has a conflict of interest in relation to a report, they will recuse themselves from the process.
3. Process
Where the preliminary assessment determines that further action is warranted, a fair and proportionate process will follow, ensuring both the complainant and the respondent have the opportunity to provide information. In accordance with the Constitution (Article IV/4), any member accused of unprofessional conduct will be granted the right to be heard before any decision affecting their membership is taken.
4. Possible Actions
Where a concern is substantiated, EISA may take one or more of the following actions, proportionate to the severity of the conduct:
- Informal conversation to address the behaviour.
- Formal warning (verbal or written).
- Required apology to affected parties.
- Removal from an event without refund.
- Prohibition from future EISA events for a specified period.
- Suspension or termination of EISA membership.
- Referral to relevant institutional or legal authorities where appropriate.
EISA Code of Conduct Form
*Leave the field blank to report anonymously. Fill in if you agree to be contacted.