We are very excited to see you all in bonnie (beautiful) Scotland for the 46th European Conference on Visual Perception (ECVP 2024)! Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion have been at the heart of our conference organisation, with members of the local organising committee coming from diverse backgrounds and representing many different lived experiences. We have reflected on these backgrounds and experiences alongside working in close collaboration with the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion committee in the School of Psychology at the University of Aberdeen when organising the conference.
We firmly believe that the best science requires diverse voices and a collegiate culture. Our vision is for ECVP 2024 to be a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive space where you are inspired and supported in your scientific goals. We aim to create a culture where everyone feels fairly treated and all feel able to have their voices heard.
Main Statements
- We will seek to ensure that membership of our local organising committee continues to be representative of the ECVP community and inclusive without overburdening underrepresented groups.
- A code of conduct for ECVP 2024 attendees and participants will be published to ensure that our activities and meetings are welcoming and inclusive.
- In our outreach and dissemination on social media and elsewhere, we will highlight the research and work of members from across the spectrum of their careers and backgrounds.
- Our Early Career Researchers will have access to specific meetings aimed at professional development, wellbeing and support aimed to increase our members’ skills and experience outside of their research.
- We will publish clear links to accessibility information (e.g. on the conference website and in any printed materials).
- We will publish clear procedures for reporting inappropriate behaviour on the conference website and in any printed materials.
- Through these actions, and by the behaviours and conduct of our members, we aim to ensure that ECVP 2024 is welcoming, open, and inclusive to all scientists regardless of background.
Code of Conduct
All members and attendees are expected to behave professionally. Harassment and discriminatory or exclusionary comments or jokes are not appropriate. Harassment includes sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention or innuendo, deliberate intimidation, stalking, and photography or recording of an individual without consent. It also includes offensive or belittling comments related to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity, age, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion.
All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience, including people of many different backgrounds. Sexual or discriminatory language and imagery are not appropriate. We ask to acknowledge the different communication styles of other attendees and be patient, allowing time to think and respond. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other attendees.
The Venue
P&J Live is fully wheelchair accessible. Other information about accessibility (hearing loops, assistance dog access, etc) can be found here: https://assets.teca.co.uk/files/PJ-Live-accessible-guide.pdf
Accessible toilets can be found at:
https://www.pandjlive.com/visiting/accessibility/
For any other questions about the venue, please contact the venue team at info@pandjlive.com.
School of Psychology at the University of Aberdeen
We are a very international School, with staff from over 14 countries. We have diverse backgrounds in terms of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, LGBTQ+ identity, and neurodiversity. Our School is very proud to have a Silver Athena Swan award (the first in the University), representing our commitment to gender equality. Staff in our School are also actively working on decolonising the curriculum alongside leading neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ working groups which aim to promote inclusion in our research, teaching, and community.
Aberdeen, Scotland
Scotland is one of the most inclusive tourist destinations in the world, routinely appearing high on lists of the most welcoming, most friendly, and most sustainable places to travel to. Aberdeen, alongside Glasgow and Edinburgh, was also recently voted to be in the top 10 most friendly UK tourist destinations in 2023 by readers of Conde Nast Travellers. Scotland in general – and Aberdeen in particular – is also a very safe country to visit (however, if you go hiking in the Highlands or Islands, we should warn you about midges – do pack insect repellent!)
Scotland is a proud European nation: politically, culturally, and in sports (although admittedly, sometimes it’s touch and go whether we qualify…). Famously, of course, the majority of Scottish people voted to stay in the European Union in the 2016 referendum.
It is also a country with a distinctive local culture, which we hope you will share with us while you are here. Whether you like being in nature or in bright city lights, moments of calm quiet or fast-paced adventure, activity, culture, art, or gastronomy – there is something for everyone to experience. VisitScotland is a good starting point for ideas about what to do in Aberdeen or further afield. VisitAberdeenshire also has many suggestions for things to do in the Silver City.
Oh – and if you want to learn more about Scottish or Aberdonian history, culture and language, then you will find that people are happy to share. There are multiple Scottish languages – including English, British Sign Language, Scots, Scottish Gaelic, and Doric, which is specific to Aberdeenshire and the North East. Fit like?!
Accessibility
The Accessible Travel Hub provides information and resources about accessible travel in Scotland: https://accessibletravel.scot/resources/
A map of accessible toilets can be found here: https://www.changing-places.org/find
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mums are protected by the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 to feed an infant up to the age of 2 years in public places or establishments that allow children access. The Equality Act 2010 protects a mum for as long as she wants to breastfeed with no age restriction. A map of places which have signed up to the local breastfeeding friendly scheme is also here (the University of Aberdeen is also a breastfeeding friendly space): https://www.nhsgrampian.org/your-health/healthy-living/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-friendly-scotland-scheme/
LGBTQ+
Scotland is one of the most LGBTQ+ welcoming and friendly places in the world. Same-sex marriage was legalised in 2014 (civil partnerships before that) and sexual orientation is a protected characteristic under the 2010 Equality Act. Aberdeen itself is a very welcoming and inclusive city. Hotels and restaurants are LGBTQ+ friendly. For those looking for a lively LGBTQ+ spot, Cheerz Bar in the city centre offers a safe and welcoming space 7 days a week. We pride ourselves on being an enjoyable destination for everyone!
Dietary information
Conference catering will be primarily vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options. Most restaurants in Aberdeen have vegetarian, vegan, and/or gluten-free options. Packaged food and drinks as well as menus typically give allergen information, but please do check. For more ideas, VisitAberdeenshire have a list of detailed vegetarian and vegan dining options. There are also many options to eat gluten-free in Aberdeen and in Aberdeenshire. Those wanting to try our national spirit – whisky – will also be happy to know that many whisky brands are also allergy-safe and suitable for vegans/vegetarians – just ask!
Contact
We very much hope that you find it easy and welcoming to join ECVP 2024 here in Aberdeen but if you experience any barriers to participation, or experience or witness anything which makes you (or potentially someone else) uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to contact us at ecvp2024@abdn.ac.uk.
We will take your feedback very seriously and will monitor the ECVP mailbox over the next few months and during the conference.