Ethics in Paleontology

The Paleontological Society (the “Society”) strives to provide an environment that encourages the free expression and exchange of scientific ideas. In pursuit of that environment, the Society is committed to equality, both in opportunity and in treatment, for all of its members. We believe that one of our strengths as a Society rests in our diverse membership, and that such diversity is integral to the advancement of our Society, and to the continued rigor and ingenuity of paleontological research. The Society will not discriminate in its activities or services on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, immigration status, religion, age, marital status, parental status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic background, educational background, disability, or military service or veteran status. The Society will strive to ensure that all Society sponsored meetings and functions are conducted in a professional manner in which all participants are treated with dignity and respect.

Code of Conduct

Click here to view PS Policy on Non-Discrimination and Code of Conduct

Ethics in Publishing 

  1. Make it clear that Ethics in Publishing covers publications of members that are not in our journals.

    1. info?
  2.  Include links on this page to ethics links for our journals on the Cambridge website.

    1. Can you direct me to those links? I was looking on Cambridge but may not have been the right spot.

Responsible Geologic Fieldwork Practices

Info?

Code of Fossil Collecting

Info?

Submit an Allegation 

 

Ethics Committee

The Ethics Committee is responsible for investigating reported allegations of misconduct and will determine which allegations are substantial and thereby require investigation. The chair of the Ethics Committee will coordinate the Society’s investigations of misconduct. The Ethics Committee reports to the Council of the Paleontological Society, which has the final authority to determine what action(s) will be taken if an allegation of misconduct is substantiated.
In advance of potential submission of an allegation, members of the Ethics Committee will also be available to speak about alleged misconduct and the investigation process, but written documentation will be required to initiate an investigation. 

If a participant in Society activities would like to speak with a member of the Ethics Committee about potential Code of Conduct violations and/or about the reporting process, they may send an email to the email address of the Ethics Committee and request a conversation.

 

Self-Reporting Form

Authors of manuscripts in Paleontological Society journals, nominees or applicants for grants and awards, and candidates and nominees for volunteer governance positions (Council and committee members),  are expected to meet all expectations outlined in the PS Code of Conduct.  Paleontological Society members will be asked annually to self-disclose professional conduct as part of the membership renewal or onboarding process.  All others will be required to submit a PS professional conduct self-disclosure form.  Click here to access the Paleontological Society Professional Conduct Self-Reporting Form.

Possible sanctions for violation of code of conduct

View the PS Sanctions Matrix for violations of code of conduct

In determining an appropriate sanction for a violation of Society Code of Conduct, factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to:

  • The seriousness, severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the prohibited conduct;
  • The nature of the prohibited conduct;
  • The impact on the complainant and/or Society community;
  • The respondent’s past disciplinary record with the Society;
  • Whether the respondent has accepted responsibility for the prohibited conduct;
  • The maintenance of a safe, nondiscriminatory and respectful environment conducive to learning; and/or
  • Any other mitigating, aggravating, or compelling factors that the Society ethics committee determines to be relevant and admissible.

This IS PS: Inclusive and Safe Paleontological Society

The Paleontological Society is committed to safe and inclusive events and meetings for all attendees. The Code of Conduct applies to all members of the Society and to all participants in Society and Society-sponsored events.
In this spirit, the Paleontological Society is implementing “This IS PS” (Inclusive and Safe Paleontological Society) to help ensure adherence to the Code of Conduct at Society-sponsored events. If you are the subject of or witness prohibited behavior at a Society-sponsored event, immediately notify any member of the This IS PS team. Team members can be identified by buttons with the This IS PS logo.

  • The This IS PS team comprises Society member-leaders who have been trained to receive and give reports of any incidences of prohibited behavior at Society-sponsored events.
  • This IS PS liaisons will listen respectfully without assumptions or judgment.
  • This IS PS liaisons will confidentially report incidents to the Society Ethics Committee to ensure that all parties involved receive appropriate consideration and follow-up.
  • Anyone subject to or witnessing behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety or a criminal act should contact 911. Those witnessing a potential criminal act should also take actions necessary to maintain their own personal safety.

Those who violate the Paleontological Society’s Code of Conduct at an event may be asked to leave the meeting immediately, without refund.