In the context of the KM3NeT INFRADEV project, several aspects of the role of KM3NeT as a responsible organisation will be addressed and possible key performance indicators of the societal impact of KM3NeT will be investigated, in particular the potential of the role and impact of KM3NeT in human capacity building.
Code of conduct and ethical behaviour for KM3NeT
A code of conduct and ethical behaviour in building and operating the KM3NeT Research Infrastructure and conducting KM3NeT-related science will be developed and implemented. The code will serve both as an internal guideline and as a reference for public scrutiny. An ethics committee will be setup 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 will be 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 eenvironment by raising awareness and addressing inappropiate 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 will be installed to advise the management in diversity matters and be available for advice in cases of inappropiate behaviour.
Environmental impact
Since KM3NeT is built in the deep-sea environment, environmental impact studies for each of the three KM3NeT installation sites must be conducted for scrutiny by external experts and authorities and official permission for construction, operation and decommissioning of KM3NeT at the respective sites.
References: “KM3NeT Code of conduct and ethical behaviour“, the “KM3NeT Diversity policy” and the “Results of the environmental impact studies” in France, Italy and Greece.
