In the context of the KM3NeT-INFRADEV project, several aspects of the role of KM3NeT as a responsible organisation were addressed and possible key performance indicators of the societal impact of KM3NeT were investigated, in particular the potential of the role and impact of KM3NeT in human capacity building.

Code of conduct and ethical behaviour for KM3NeT

In this sense, a code of conduct and ethical behaviour in building and operating the KM3NeT Research Infrastructure and conducting KM3NeT-related science was developed and implemented. The code currently serves both as an internal guideline and as a reference for public scrutiny. An ethics committee was setup within the Collaboration to develop a protocol in cases of violation of the code.

Diversity policy for KM3NeT

A policy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the KM3NeT working environment was also developed and implemented to (i) improve the gender balance, especially in leading positions, in the KM3NeT community setting targets and rules, (ii) improve diversity in general, creating an inclusive working environment by raising awareness and addressing inappropriate behaviour, and (iii) empower early-career scientists in KM3NeT by including them in the KM3NeT board, improving the number of early-scientists among Workgroup leaders and by organising sessions at Collaboration meetings addressing issues related to career development, such as project management skills, writing funding proposals, job application or the choice between an academic career and one elsewhere. An EDI committee was installed to advise the management in diversity matters and in cases of inappropriate behaviour.

Environmental impact

Regarding environmental impact, since KM3NeT is built in the deep-sea environment, environmental impact studies for each of the three KM3NeT installation sites were conducted for scrutiny by external experts and authorities and official permission for construction, operation and decommissioning of KM3NeT at the respective sites, in France, Italy and Greece.

Results, available in the Project outputs section, comprise:

  • D5.1 – Code of Conduct and Ethical Behaviour in KM3NeT
  • D5.2 – Policy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in KM3NeT
  • D5.3 – Recommendations for assessing the impact of KM3NeT on the professional careers of its alumni
  • D5.4 – An environmental impact study for KM3NeT-Fr/ORCA
  • D5.5 – An environmental impact study for KM3NeT/ARCA
  • D5.6 – An environmental impact study for KM3NeT-Gr

KM3NeT-INFRADEV was supported by the European Commission Framework Programme Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation action under grant agreement n. 739560.