ifk Code of Ethical Conduct
The ifk is a place for the exchange of ideas dedicated to freedom of research. It brings together fellows from different disciplines, backgrounds, nationalities, cultures, worldviews and generations. The ifk promotes a culture of open, critical and constructive exchange between disciplines as well as academic and non-academic cultures. We form a community of scholars in which new ideas can be tried out and pursued, where high achievements can be made and everyone’s contribution is recognised. We value different methods and views and communicate openly and respectfully with one another. This Code of Ethical Conduct defines the shared values, rights and obligations of all members of the institute (both fellows and employees) and creates the basis for a respectful, honest and productive academic community.
All members of the ifk treat each other with dignity, respect and professionalism – regardless of gender, age, religion, nationality, worldview, origin, class, disability, sexual orientation, disciplinary affiliation, academic status, or other identity aspects. Mutual consideration and empathy in our dealings with one another are of vital importance. The ifk protects the right to freedom of thought, conscience, belief and identity of its fellows and its team. This includes showing, telling and displaying affiliations and opinions, as long as this does not violate applicable law, university rules or the ethical standards stated in this Code of Conduct.
Discrimination is not only an individual issue, but a structural challenge in which institutions are called upon as well as people and their relationships. Staying aware of structural and personal blind spots and protecting vulnerable groups is a continuous task. Emotional and communicative labour is not to be delegated to those affected by a minoritarian positionality but to be taken on institutionally.
The ifk team and the fellows actively contribute to a supportive, intellectually stimulating, respectful and cooperative atmosphere. Talking to each other, approaching each other and listening to each other are important qualities that we value highly. To give and receive structured feedback on a regular basis is considered an important element of our organisational culture. As scholarly debates in Cultural Studies are situated and relate to real world-problems, frictions and disagreements can occur. If they do, we expect everybody to be available to work towards productive solutions. Even when views differ, it is essential to maintain a respectful tone. All contributions in a debate have to be formulated in a constructive way, leaving room for discussion, argument and scholarly exchange. Personal attacks are not accepted in any situation.
This code is reviewed regularly and amended as necessary to take account of social, legal and institutional developments.
Acceptance of an engagement or fellowship at the ifk implies acceptance of this Code of Ethical Conduct. The ifk reserves the right to terminate fellowships (temporarily or permanently) or may prohibit participation in future ifk meetings and/or activities in consultation with the rectorate if the ifk Code of Ethical Conduct is clearly or repeatedly violated. The Working Group for Equal Opportunities (AKG) of the University of Arts Linz will be informed.
Course of Action in Case of Conflict
The ifk is committed to providing structures that prevent abuse of power; we respect perceived feelings of threat or uneasiness and ensure secure reporting channels. Any report of discrimination is taken seriously and treated in confidence. The person making the report will not be disadvantaged as a result, even if the suspicion is not subsequently confirmed, provided that the report was made in good faith. In addition, it is possible to contact or involve the Working Group on Equal Opportunities (AKG).
Conflicts that do not arise from a clear violation of the Code of Conduct should be resolved through respectful dialogue with each other and the ifk team. Conflicts should not be played out in the group, instead the ifk’s conflict resolution procedures will be followed. If starting a dialogue with the persons concerned is not possible, expertise and paths will be offered. The Linz University of Arts Working Group for Equal Opportunities (AKG) is involved in steps taken to ensure the prohibition of discrimination.
If you feel lines have been crossed or you are discriminated, you can do one of the following
– Reach out to a member of the ifk team. The team will act according to the protocol agreed on with AKG and rectorate.
– Leave feedback on the mailaddress: awareness@ifk.ac.at or in our physical mailbox in the reception area. Feedback will be read by the head of office (Daniela Losenicky) and she will reach out to you to decide what the next steps might be. The issue will be documented, but no sensitive data will be disclosed. Of course You are free to stay anonymous, e.g. by using a respective mail-tool.
– You can contact a member of the awareness-team: For each fellow cohort there will be one or two awareness persons, showing an alertness to frictions and communicating them to the ifk team.
– For issues of discrimination and equal treatment you can always consult the Working Group for Equal Opportunities (AKG) of the University of Arts Linz directly. A complaint at AKG is protected by law against retaliations.
– If you are not sure whom to address, but you feel that a line has been crossed, contact ClearPath, that has over twenty years of experience in non-violent communication and a high level of expertise in the field of fairness in art, culture and the creative industries. Clear Path gives confidential advice and can help clarify where to file your concern or complaint.
September 2026