Values, Policies & Statements

The American Physiological Society (APS) is committed to creating an environment where individuals can exchange ideas and be safe, accepted and respected. The Society has developed nine core values to ensure the support of its members and a professional culture that has zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

APS believes in the inherent value of all people and their capacity to contribute meaningfully to scientific discourse and achievement. We are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to contribute to scientific knowledge, serve the community and advance the Society.

APS members shall advance the discipline of physiology through integrity and excellence in teaching, research and service. Discrimination, harassment in any form, and bullying create a hostile environment that marginalizes individuals and communities, and thereby reduces the quality, integrity and pace of the advancement of science. View the full policy.

APS is committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin or other protected characteristics. View the full policy.

APS confers honors and awards, including but not limited to awards and fellowship status; service on committees, Board of Directors and other volunteer positions (“honors”). The Society also recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the field or interests of the membership. All honors and awards are conferred at the Society’s discretion, and it retains the right to grant, defer or decline to grant an honor to any person. View the full policy.

Preview required Honors and Awards self-disclosure form. 

In keeping with policies on member conduct, the Society will record all reports received of alleged misconduct by its members, and further investigate those that are associated with the Society's programs or sponsored events. This document outlines how to submit a report and what steps the Society will take to investigate reports of misconduct by its members. View the Process for Investigation of Misconduct Allegations.

APS is pleased to be one of the 100 inaugural members of the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM. The mission of this group is to set standards of excellence in STEMM fields, requiring high quality research, teaching and practice and high standards of professional and ethical conduct. Members of this consortium work together with the Education Counsel to develop model frameworks and policies to advance professional and ethical conduct, climate and culture—and excellence—in our disciplines.

• Federal Research Funding and Grant Review Delays
• APS Statement on Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
• Response to AAPI Violence
• APS Statement on the January 6 Events on Capitol Hill
• APS Stands Against Racism 
• Physiology's Role in the Future of Medical Education