These guidelines apply to users of EMBL online community platforms such as forums, blogs and comment forms.

EMBL reserves the right to delete any post and block any user at its discretion. These guidelines explain why we might do this and offer advice to users on how to engage constructively in online communities using EMBL platforms.

Scope and definitions

These guidelines apply to all community content posted to EMBL websites and apps. This includes websites hosted under the following domains: embl.org, embl.de, embl-hamburg.de, embl.it, embl.fr, embl.es and ebi.ac.uk.

These guidelines also apply to community content posted to sites not hosted by, but managed by EMBL, such as social media channels.

Collectively these sites, apps and channels are referred to here as ‘community channels’.

Anything that a user submits for publication via community channels is referred to here as a ‘post’.

Philosophy

EMBL offers community channels in order to inform and engage target audiences in a positive way.

Our aim is to ensure that community channels are inclusive and safe.

Hate speech, vulgar language and offensive posts will not be tolerated. In short, don’t be unpleasant; treat others with respect.

Debate is welcome, but personal attacks, trolling and abuse will not be tolerated. We will not allow misrepresentation of EMBL and our scientists and staff to be published on our community channels.

Tips

• Stay on topic. Make sure that your posts are relevant to the context in which they will appear and add to the conversation in a  constructive way.
• Be concise.
• Reread before you post.
• Be aware that you may be misunderstood. Try to be very clear about what you are saying.

In short

• If you act with maturity and consideration for other users, you should have no problems.
• Don’t be unpleasant.
• Take responsibility for the quality of the conversations in which you are participating.

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