Code of Conduct

Seismica is a volunteer-run, community-driven, Diamond Open-Access journal publishing peer-reviewed research in seismology and earthquake science.

We are committed to promoting the inclusive, collaborative and thoughtful exchange of scientific ideas by providing a safe, welcoming environment for all participants in our community. We value the participation of every member of our community and want to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, both professionally and personally. All individuals who interact through Seismica are expected to behave in a professional and respectful manner to provide a constructive, supportive, and inclusive environment in activities related to the journal, and in the larger Seismica community. 

Seismica authors, reviewers, editors and other volunteer contributors are expected to be considerate and collaborative, communicate openly with respect for others, and critique scientific ideas rather than individuals, identities, or specific groups. Behavior that may be considered acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to others. Ignorance is no excuse for unprofessional behavior. We value the participation of every member of our global community and want all contributors to be respected and supported.

Unacceptable behavior

Harassment and/or sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes are inappropriate and will not be tolerated. We particularly emphasize that demeaning comments directed at authors, reviewers, editors, or members of the board will not be tolerated. 

Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

  • Plagiarism of any form.
  • Using a privileged position as an Editor or Reviewer to advance your own career or standing.
  • Violation of confidentiality as reviewers or editors.
  • Physical or verbal abuse of any kind.
  • Threatening or stalking any participant.
  • Inappropriate personal comments, whether verbal or digital, related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), national origin, English language fluency or other legally protected group status or characteristics.
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images or language in public spaces or in presentations (harassment intended in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior).
  • Retaliation for reporting harassment, as well as reporting an incident in bad faith.
  • Failure to declare a conflict of interest.

Reporting unacceptable behavior

Unacceptable behavior may be reported to any person on the editorial board. However, the EDI representative is the preferred option. The report can be anonymous if desired. Internal or higher level cases may be referred to an outside adjudication board. 

Consequences

  • Editors may reject reviews or request revisions at their discretion if reviews do not comply with the Code of Conduct, especially reviews that contain any aspects of unacceptable behavior as defined above.
  • Other actions may result in a warning to the person in question, removing them from a specific Seismica activity, or banning them from further participation in the Seismica journal or community.
  • Repeated or egregious actions that do not comply with the Code of Conduct are more serious and will be dealt with case by case basis.