FLEET encourages members using social media to connect with each other and with broader community of researchers, colleagues, potential business partners, and others in related fields.
We encourage you to associate yourself with FLEET, with your research, with others working in your field and with physics and science in general. We embrace healthy and honest discussion.
Any comments on social media will be permanently available and can be reproduced in other media. Avoid adversely affecting FLEET’s public reputation. Consider particular risks regarding sharing images, links, reposting others’ material, disclosing personal information, or engaging in heated debate.
You should assume even if posting ‘anonymously’ that your connection with FLEET could be discovered.
Before hastily posting content that could cause difficulties for FLEET, or for your standing within FLEET, stop, pause, and if necessary discuss with a colleague.
Using social media as an individual
The following applies to comments made outside of official FLEET accounts.
If you are commenting on your or your colleagues’ FLEET research, or on other FLEET-related matters (and we encourage you to do so!), be aware that your connection to FLEET may unavoidably link FLEET with your statements. As such, some extra caution in terms of language, tone and content is appropriate.
When there is any potential connection between your social media comments and FLEET:
- Comment in a respectful manner.
- Be aware of potential for conflict of interest.
- Do not post information that is false or misleading.
- Reflect our shared values of respect for others, honesty, openness to other opinions and values, valuing of diversity, respect for inherent dignity and human rights of all individuals.
- Consider the impression given, not just the intention behind, your comments.
Take care not to break embargo on restricted research or other announcements.
Do not share with the outside community sensitive information about FLEET, research, or partnerships.
Do not breach copyright.
Do not comment ‘as FLEET’ without express permission by the COO, Director or Communications Coordinator. If in doubt, rephrase comments to make it clear you are not commenting on behalf of FLEET.
Using official FLEET social media accounts
Comments made using official FLEET accounts must comply with all of the above, and with stricter restrictions in keeping with being the public voice of the organisation.
Official FLEET accounts will:
- Avoid making statements or engaging in activities of a party political nature.
- Comment respectfully and calmly even if respondents do not.
- Take particular case to be sensitive to issues of diversity and equity.
- Avoid any conflict of interest or impression of conflict of interest.
Posting on behalf of FLEET does not absolve the poster of their individual responsibilities—including, but not limited to ethics, copyright, conflict of interest, and the responsibility to remain factual.
Coverage
Participating in social media is subject to the same standards of behaviour that apply when participating in any other media or public forum.
This policy applies to all social media, including but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and YouTube.
This policy doesn’t supersede requirements applied by local-organisation/university social media policies.