Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Virology Education BV (VE) and Academic Medical Education BV (AME) strongly recognize the value of conducting our programs with a diverse and inclusive representation of the scientific community, welcoming a range of backgrounds, experiences, and opinions, and embracing the benefits that these differences bring. We believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds make for improved panel discussions and collaboration. A range of perspectives will challenge our participants to approach a topic differently.

It is our commitment to support every individual’s uniqueness and to provide a professional conference environment where everyone is welcome and treated with dignity and respect. We are united by our values and we take pride in celebrating our unique differences.

This Code of Conduct sets out the framework to support the inherent value in supporting diverse and inclusive scientific programs. VE and AME are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment and a culture that embraces and encourages different perspectives. All attendees, speakers, co-organizers, partners, endorsers, suppliers, volunteers, and employees at any of our programs are expected to observe our Code of Conduct.

We do not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, disrespect, or the marginalization of those involved in our programs.

Any individual who feels discriminated against, harassed, disrespected, or marginalized is strongly encouraged to report the incident(s) to VE and AME via info@amededu.com

VE and AME are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everybody, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, marital status, and political affiliation as well as gender expression, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, or physical appearance.

With regards to our scientific programs, VE and AME are committed to making a strong effort to include an appropriate representation of women, racial/ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and Resource-Limited Settings (RLS), and other individuals in our programs. We believe in the importance of their inclusion in the planning and organization, implementation, and participation in our programs.

Efforts to attain appropriate representation will be specified and carried out during the selection of our meeting faculty including the program chairs, organizing committee, scientific committee, speakers, session chairs, and panelists.

Conference Scholarships

VE and AME recognize that high-quality scientific programs are unfortunately not available and accessible to all. In line with our diversity policy, we are committed to providing scholarships to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in our programs by helping offset the cost of attendance. A specific focus is placed on the inclusion of women, racial/ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, Early-Career Investigators/Young Investigators, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and Resource-Limited Settings (RLS).  

VE and AME are dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment for everyone. We embrace and celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds that each participant brings to our programs. We strive to foster a safe and respectful environment for all participants by providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

VE and AME will not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or any behavior or language that is abusive, offensive, or unwelcome.

We are committed to taking the following actions in support of an inclusive program:

• Support the participation and representation of a diverse and inclusive faculty;
• Hosting physical/in-person programs at venues that accommodate access for persons with disabilities and providing participants with the opportunity to identify any special needs prior to their participation in the program;
• Provide all participants with a safe and confidential channel to voice concerns regarding diversity and inclusion in our programs; and
• Conduct evaluation surveys to identify the areas where we support inclusive practices and areas for improvement.

All participants in our programs are also expected to support an inclusive environment by adhering to the following conduct standards:

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect at all times.
• Address and report any inappropriate behavior and comments that are discriminatory, harassing, abusive, offensive, or unwelcome.
• Foster collaboration and encourage various perspectives.
• Seek out perspectives from participants with different experiences and backgrounds.
• Avoid any slang, idioms, phrases, or terms that might not translate across cultures.
• Support the participation of individuals with different needs, abilities, and/or obligations.
• Be open-minded and listen when given constructive feedback regarding others' perceptions of your conduct.

We enforce and encourage respectful communication and cooperation between all participants at our programs.  All participants of VE and AME-organized programs are expected to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. They are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during our programs and events.

Any participant who is found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be removed from the program.