ODS values your attendance at our events as part of an open, professional exchange of ideas. We invite all event participants to help us create a safe environment where everyone feels welcome to ask questions and engage. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. By attending an ODS event, you are agreeing to the event guidelines outlined below.
Participants Are Expected To
- Uphold the professional and educational purposes of meetings by respecting the rights, views, privacy, safety, and dignity of all people.
- Exercise professionalism, consideration, and respect in your speech, postings, and other actions.
- Keep all comments relevant to the event topic.
- Refrain from:
- Engaging in harassing speech or inappropriate behavior.
- Posting insulting, obscene, discriminatory, or threatening comments.
- Disrupting the conversation with spam or repetitive posts.
Reporting an Incident
If you see, overhear, or experience a violation of these guidelines, please email ODS at
ods@nih.gov. Participants who engage in inappropriate behavior will be given a warning from event organizers, asked to stop the behavior, and be expected to stop immediately. Participants who continue to display inappropriate behavior after being given a warning will be removed from the event.
Medical Questions and Personal Health Information
Neither ODS staff nor event participants can answer personal health questions. The information provided during ODS-led events is not intended to serve as medical advice; it is provided for informational purposes only. Questions about your health should be directed to your health care provider. We do not allow comments that contain personally identifying information or private health information, either about yourself or a third party.
Non-Endorsement
The ODS website and meetings include resources that are developed by our event speakers and provided for the user’s information and convenience. The inclusion of these resources is not intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services referenced. Inclusion of such information does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the NIH, or the federal government.
Media Questions
Reporters and other members of the media should send any press inquiries to
ODSMedia@mail.nih.gov or the relevant
NIH media office during events. Media inquiries submitted to the chat or Q&A box during an event will not be answered.