Women In Bio, Inc. (WIB) is an organization of professionals committed to promoting the careers, leadership and entrepreneurship of women in the life sciences. WIB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and ethics. This Code of Conduct (Code) reflects the principles of behavior that support WIB’s commitment to those high standards. This Code applies to all WIB directors, officers and members, and each director, officer and member is asked to read and understand this Code.

In order to fulfill its mission, WIB members are provided ample opportunities to network with fellow, like-minded individuals. However, these networking opportunities are not intended for direct sales opportunities. With that in mind, certain provisions of this Code are intended to help ensure the conduct of proper business etiquette within our membership.

The success of the Code depends on all members adhering to its principles. Accordingly, WIB members are expected to:

Maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethics. WIB is committed to fostering a positive environment that is free from violence in any form, whether verbal, physical, and/or implied. WIB staff, volunteers, and members treat each other fairly and without discrimination, harassment, and intimidation based on race, creed, color, religious belief, gender, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Respect the time of fellow members. Members should participate in WIB events for their intended purposes and not use them to make "sales pitches" for jobs or business for themselves or their companies. Moreover, chapter Chairs and heads of chapter committees may not be featured speakers at any WIB events.

Respect the privacy of fellow members: People provide their personal contact information to WIB to support its mission and should not be solicited via phone calls or e-mails.

Respect the integrity of the WIB name and materials: The name "WIB" is not to be used in the subject line of an email, or as part of a direct mail campaign or telephone solicitation that is not part of an approved WIB initiative.

Respect the integrity of WIB information and materials: The WIB Membership Directory (the Directory) is a valuable resource. The Directory and general membership information are made available to members for their sole and exclusive use for WIB-related purposes only, and not for any other use including commercial use. WIB prohibits the use or disclosure, dissemination or distribution of any membership information other than in the furtherance of WIB’s legitimate purposes, and no such information may be sold, rented or loaned for any reason. All WIB membership information is proprietary to WIB, and use of any member information for the purpose of direct solicitation or mass marketing purposes (including use as a database for print or electronic solicitations) is strictly prohibited. WIB also prohibits any copying, printing, reproduction or use of the Directory or any information contained in the Directory for such purposes.

In addition to the foregoing, WIB adheres to the following principles: 

WIB is aware of and complies with the laws ands regulations in all of the states and countries in which it operates and has chapters, including laws prohibiting bribery, corruption or the conduct of business with specificed individuals, companies or countries. If there is a question regarding legal compliance, a director, officer or member should refer the matter to the relevant chapter Chair or to the President of WIB for guidance.

WIB members are to avoid activities involving personal interests that create, or have the appearance of creating, a conflict of interest with WIB. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s personal interest may interfere with the best interests of WIB. A conflicting personal interest could result from an expectation of personal gain now or in the future, or from a need to satisfy a personal obligation. If there is a question regarding whether a conflict of interest exists or may occur, a director, officer or member should refer the matter to the relevant chapter Chair or to the President of WIB for guidance.

WIB uses its resources in a secure and appropriate manner. Everyone is expected to protect WIB assets and ensure their efficient use. WIB assests are only to be used in the furtherance of WIB’s legitimate purposes. WIB retains the right to access, review, monitor and disclose any information transmitted, received or stored using WIB electronic equipment, with or without the user’s knowledge or consent.

WIB does not disclose or use for any reason other than for the benefit of WIB, any confidential or proprietary information that is learned by means of involvement with WIB. WIB does not disclose any contact information of any speaker or participant (such as a panel member) at any WIB event. Individuals who have access to or receive confidential information – including but not limited to any membership information – should take care to keep this information confidential. All such information should be presumed to be confidential and should not be disclosed, distributed or disseminated outside of WIB, except where required for WIB-related business reasons. Except where expresssly authorized, confidential information of WIB’s sponsors, suppliers and vendors should also not be shared outside of WIB, nor should such information be used other than in the furtherance of WIB’s legitimate purposes. Except for authorized spokespersons for WIB, no one may communicate with the press or the public regarding WIB.

Any violations of this Code may result in an immediate warning from WIB leadership and in the suspension or termination of WIB membership.