CODE OF CONDUCT

Preamble

SEH is dedicated to advancing herpetological science, conservation, and education in Europe and globally. This Code of Conduct outlines the ethical and professional standards expected of all members, ensuring a respectful, inclusive, and intellectually honest community. Adherence to these principles is a condition of membership.

1.          General Conduct

Members shall

(i)          uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and respect in all professional activities.

(ii)        foster an inclusive environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying.

(iii)       Promote collaboration and open dialogue while respecting diverse viewpoints.

2.          Scientific Integrity

Members must

(i)          not include fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in research, publications, and presentations.

(ii)        accurately attribute contributions, data, and ideas to their original sources.

(iii)       disclose conflicts of interest (e.g., funding, personal relationships) in publications and society activities.

(iv)       correct errors promptly and transparently when they are recognized.

3.          Research Ethics

(i)          Permit compliance: Members must obtain all required permits (e.g., animal care, collection, export/import) and acknowledge such permissions in publications.

(ii)        Animal welfare: Members must minimize harm to study organisms and their environment and follow ethical guidelines (e.g., EU Directive 2010/63/EU, ARRIVE guidelines).

(iii)       Local communities: Members must show respect for local communities and collaborate ethically with local stakeholders and Indigenous groups, especially in field research abroad. 

4.          Publication Practices

(i)          Authorship: Members may claim authorship only for work to which they have made substantial intellectual, practical, or analytical contributions. All authors must approve final manuscript versions before submission.

(ii)        Peer review: When asked to review manuscripts and grants, members must act confidentially, objectively, and promptly. They must decline reviews where conflicts of interest exist. SEH promotes non-anonymous peer review, but the confidentiality of reviewers will be upheld upon request.

(iii)       Transparency: Members must disclose funding sources, permits, and substantial assistance from individuals not listed as authors in the Acknowledgments of their publications.

5.          Reporting Violations

(i)          Members are encouraged to report unethical conduct (e.g., fraud, harassment) to responsible members of the SEH Executive Council as indicated on the website of the society (www.seh-herpetology.org).

(ii)        Reports will be investigated confidentially and impartially. Retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited.

6.          Enforcement

Violations may result in actions, including but not limited to retraction of publications in SEH journals; temporary or permanent revocation of membership; exclusion from society events or SEH leadership roles. Decisions will follow due process, with opportunities for appeal as stated in the SEH Statutes and Bylaws.

By joining the SEH as a member, or as participant of SEH-events, one commits to upholding these principles, ensuring the society remains a trusted and progressive force in European and global herpetology. SEH reserves the right to amend this Code as needed, with notice provided to members.

Approved by the Ordinary General Meeting in Bonn, Germany on September 11th 2025.