Code of Conduct

The ProtoStar Group operates for charitable, scientific, literary, religious, and educational purposes, including the advancement of the arts.  Its mission is to identify, develop, and/or invest in prototype projects that promote the public good.  The directors, trustees, officers, committee members, employees, advisors, consultants, representatives, contractors, volunteers, and other persons in the ProtoStar Group “family” are committed to the highest standards of integrity and have pledged to conduct themselves in an honest, trustworthy, and ethical manner.

In accordance with the foregoing principles, we the members of the ProtoStar Group’s family agree to be bound by this Code of Conduct (the “Code”) and to aspire to its ideals.

 1.  Laws, Customs, and Traditions

We will comply with all applicable laws and regulations of all jurisdictions in which the ProtoStar Group operates, conducts business, or intends to conduct business.  We will abide by and be respectful of the customs, etiquette, and traditions of the countries and localities to which we travel on behalf of the ProtoStar Group.

2.  Personal and Professional Conduct

We shall conduct ourselves in a professional manner.  We will be humble in our demeanor and maintain a low profile.  We will treat others with respect, kindness, and compassion and will act honestly, fairly, and ethically.

3.  Conflicts of Interest

In order to avoid any actual, apparent, or appearance of improprieties, we shall strictly adhere to the ProtoStar Group’s Conflicts-of-Interest Policy.

4.  Gifts

We will not solicit or accept any gifts, commissions, payments, lavish entertainment, services, loans, or other benefits (or promises of any of the foregoing) from any person or entity in connection with the ProtoStar Group’s activities, especially if the person or entity has an application for funding that is pending before any of the ProtoStar companies.  However, we may accept from non-applicants:  (1) gifts of nominal value; (2) benefits that are part of a package made equally available to other funders; (3) presents when their refusal would be an insult or cause the gift maker to lose face under the prevailing customs or cultural norms of the applicable country or locale; (4) honoraria, provided that the proceeds are turned over to the ProtoStar Group; (5) non-monetary acknowledgements; and (6) meals and entertainment that are modest, take place in appropriate business settings, and are consistent with sound business practices.  Should any questions arise as to the appropriateness of a gift or other benefit, we will seek guidance from our superiors.  If it is not feasible or practicable to obtain such guidance, then we will err on the side of caution by politely not accepting the gift or benefit, returning the gift with apologies, or paying for the benefit.  As soon as practicable, we will disclose to our superiors any gifts or other benefits received.

5.  Transparency and Accuracy

We will communicate information honestly, openly, and transparently both within and outside of the ProtoStar Group.  We will ensure that any financial or other information that we disclose, report, or otherwise communicate to our colleagues, grantees, regulators, other persons or entities, and the public is accurate, appropriately complete, fair, and clear.  We will follow best practices to protect the integrity of all publicly disclosed information.

6.  Confidentiality and Property Rights

We will exercise the utmost discretion with regard to, and where appropriate safeguard, any and all information that is privileged, confidential, private, sensitive, or simply communicated to us in confidence, unless disclosure is required by law or a valid court order or is ethically proper or appropriate.

We will respect, and will not misappropriate, any property that belongs to any person or entity, including real and personal property, copyrighted materials, trademarks, service marks, trade secrets, intellectual property, or any other property rights protected by law.

7.  Privacy, Teamwork, and Personal Freedoms

We respect the privacy and personal boundaries of all individuals.  We encourage teamwork and cooperation without compromising our independence, individuality, and personal freedoms.  We cherish creativity and innovation.

8.  Diversity, Inclusiveness, and Anti-Discrimination

We are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusiveness.  We will not tolerate disparagement, bullying, harassment, or discrimination against any individual based on race, color, religion, national origin, creed, citizenship, ancestry, sex, gender identification, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, political views, physical appearance, manner of dress, or any other basis protected by law as may be appropriate.

9.  Environment

Tread lightly on this Earth—this is our philosophy and our moral duty.  We believe that humankind was given stewardship over this planet and all of creation—the animals, trees, plants, and other living organisms.  We will therefore endeavor to not only preserve the natural beauty of this earth for future generations, but also make a positive impact on the environment—our air, water, soil, and other natural resources.

10.  Enforcement and Other Matters

Any matters not addressed herein may be covered in one or more of the ProtoStar Group’s internal documents, including its Employment Handbook.  The ProtoStar Group reserves the right to revise the Code at any time without notice to third parties or the public.  Enforcement and interpretation of the Code shall be within the sole discretion of the ProtoStar Group, and any determination shall be final and binding.  Except as otherwise provided by law, any breach of the Code does not confer upon the aggrieved party any legal right of action.  Grievances may be filed by making a submission on the ProtoStar Group’s Website.  Any disciplinary actions against any member of the ProtoStar Group’s family for violating the Code shall be conducted in a fair and orderly manner in accordance with its internal policies and procedures.