Code of conduct
Last updated: July 2026
LAISH is a place to learn about AI safety with care and curiosity. This code applies to our events, fellowship sessions, online channels, and any space we host. Everyone who takes part is expected to follow it.
Our aim
We want people from different backgrounds and levels of experience to feel able to ask questions, disagree thoughtfully, and grow. Status and technical skill do not buy anyone a free pass to treat others poorly.
Expected behaviour
- Be respectful in speech and writing, including disagreement - Give people room to speak, and listen when they do - Assume good faith until there is clear reason not to - Credit others for their ideas and work - Respect privacy: do not share personal stories outside the room without consent - Follow venue rules and local law at in-person events
Unacceptable behaviour
These are not welcome in LAISH spaces: - Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or stalking - Discriminatory jokes or comments about identity, background, or beliefs - Sexual attention or advances that are unwelcome - Sharing private information about someone without their permission - Disruption that prevents others from participating - Threats, encouragement of violence, or illegal activity
Academic and discussion integrity
AI safety topics can be serious and sometimes unsettling. Debate ideas, not people. Do not present others' work as your own. If you share research in progress, treat it carefully and check before circulating drafts beyond the group.
If something goes wrong
If you experience or witness behaviour that breaks this code, tell us. Write to the LAISH email or speak to an organiser at an event. You do not need a perfect account to raise a concern. When we receive a report, we will: - Take it seriously and handle it as privately as we reasonably can - Ask for enough detail to understand what happened - Decide on a response that fits the situation
Possible responses
Depending on the issue, organisers may: - Have a private conversation with the people involved - Ask someone to change their behaviour - Remove someone from an event, channel, or programme - Refuse future participation - Contact ISCTE or authorities if someone may be at risk or a law may have been broken
Scope
This code covers LAISH-hosted spaces, online and offline. Behaviour outside those spaces may still matter if it affects people's safety or ability to take part in LAISH.
Updates
We may revise this code as the community grows. The date at the top shows when it was last changed.