Policies
Code of conduct.
Everyone at the Biocomputing Competition & Summit — participants, mentors, judges, sponsors, and staff — agrees to these expectations. They exist so the weekend stays welcoming, safe, and focused on building.
The short version
Be respectful, be inclusive, and look out for each other. Treat the labs, the equipment, and the living biological hardware with care. If something feels wrong, tell an organizer.
Expected behavior
- Treat all participants, organizers, mentors, and staff with respect regardless of background, identity, or experience level.
- Collaborate openly and give credit where it's due.
- Follow all lab safety instructions and handle wetware and equipment only as directed by lab staff.
- Respect shared spaces, keep them clean, and be mindful of noise during quiet hours.
- Ask before photographing or recording others.
Unacceptable behavior
- Harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind, in any form.
- Unwelcome sexual attention or advances.
- Deliberate disruption of talks, workshops, or other participants' work.
- Misuse, damage, or unsafe handling of lab equipment or biological materials.
- Plagiarism, cheating, or misrepresenting others' work as your own.
Reporting
If you experience or witness a violation, contact any organizer in person or email conduct@biocomputing.org. Reports are handled confidentially. Organizers are available throughout the event and will help you get to a safe place if needed.
Consequences
Organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including a warning, removal from the event without refund or reimbursement, and — where relevant — notification of a participant's university. We reserve the right to make final decisions in the interest of participant safety.
Scope
This code of conduct applies to all event spaces — physical venues, labs, online channels, and social events — for the full duration of the competition and summit.
Questions about this policy? Reach us at hello@biocomputing.org.