ICoNS Code of Conduct

Purpose

The International Consortium on Newborn Sequencing (ICoNS) is a global collaboration of researchers, clinicians, and organizations working to advance the responsible use of genomic sequencing in newborns.

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for individual members participating in ICoNS and aims to ensure that consortium activities are conducted with professionalism and respect for fellow members.

This document does NOT address the conduct of genomic newborn screening/sequencing research or implementation, including interactions with participating families, genomic data management and sharing, and scientific integrity. These topics will be covered in a future document (ICoNS Values and Principles for Newborn Genomic Sequencing, in development). In the interim, members remain subject to applicable IRB/ethics protocols and international standards of research integrity.

ICoNS welcomes participation from individuals and institutions around the world. Members should treat one another with fairness and professionalism and avoid discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior.

Members should engage with one another respectfully and constructively. Differences of opinion are expected in scientific work and should be handled through thoughtful discussion rather than personal criticism.

All ICoNS members are expected to:

• Conduct themselves professionally in meetings, communications, and collaborations.

• Attribute ideas, data, and work appropriately.

• Participate in scientific discussions in a constructive and respectful manner.

The following behaviors are not consistent with ICoNS membership:

• Harassment, intimidation, or discriminatory conduct.

• Bullying, personal attacks, or sustained disruption of consortium activities.

• Misrepresentation of data, plagiarism, or other breaches of scientific integrity.

• Retaliation against any individual who raises concerns or reports potential violations of this Code.

The ICoNS name, logo, and/or brand may be used in publications, presentations, or other public communications to promote the activities of the consortium, with appropriate attribution.

However, membership in ICoNS does not grant authority to speak on behalf of the consortium. Only individuals explicitly authorized by ICoNS leadership may represent the organization in official communications, public statements, or media engagements.

Concerns regarding potential violations of this Code of Conduct may be reported to ICoNS Administration at: admin [at] iconseq.org

Reports will be reviewed confidentially and addressed as appropriate. Retaliation against reporters will not be tolerated. Responses may include discussion, mediation, warnings, suspension from consortium activities, or removal from membership.

ICoNS may update this Member Code of Conduct periodically to reflect changes to the consortium structure, activities, or member expectations.

Last updated: July 27, 2026