IHSES

Terms of Service

These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern access to and use of the ISTES platform (the “Platform”, “we”, “us”, “our”), available at https://istes.org and its related subdomains, services, and applications. By accessing or using the Platform, you (“you”, “User”) agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

1. Definitions  
- “Platform”: The ISTES website, subdomains, and related services.  
- “Event” / “Conference”: Any academic event listed or managed through the Platform.  
- “Organizer”: The entity organizing an Event (which may be ISTES or a third party).  
- “User Account”: Your registered account on the Platform.  
- “Content”: Any information or materials submitted, uploaded, posted, or otherwise provided through the Platform (including abstracts, papers, files, messages, and profile data).  
- “Services”: Features provided through the Platform, including registration, submissions, payments, attendance workflows, certificates, and notifications.

2. Acceptance of Terms and Changes  
By using the Platform, you agree to these Terms. We may update these Terms from time to time. The updated version becomes effective when posted on this page. Continued use of the Platform after changes means you accept the updated Terms.

3. The Services and Eligibility  
3.1. The Platform provides tools to support academic event processes, such as account creation, event registration, submission workflows, payment handling (where applicable), attendance management, certificate issuance, and related communications.  
3.2. You must be able to enter into a binding agreement under applicable law. If you use the Platform on behalf of an institution, you represent you are authorized to bind that institution.

4. User Accounts and Security  
4.1. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity under your account.  
4.2. You agree to provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information and to keep your account details current.  
4.3. We may suspend or terminate accounts used in violation of these Terms or applicable laws.

5. User Content and License  
5.1. You retain ownership of your Content.  
5.2. By submitting Content, you grant us a limited, worldwide, non-exclusive license to host, store, reproduce, process, and display your Content solely to operate, provide, maintain, and improve the Platform and to deliver Services related to Events (including review workflows, notifications, attendance and certificate processes).  
5.3. You represent and warrant that you have all rights necessary to submit the Content and that your Content does not violate applicable laws or third-party rights.

6. Prohibited Use  
You agree not to misuse the Platform. Prohibited activities include, without limitation:  
- Using the Platform for unlawful, deceptive, abusive, or harmful purposes.  
- Attempting to gain unauthorized access to systems or data, or interfering with Platform security or operations.  
- Uploading malware or malicious code.  
- Infringing intellectual property or privacy rights.  
- Collecting or harvesting user information without authorization.  
- Using the Platform to send unsolicited communications or to distribute spam.  
- Using purchased, rented, or scraped email lists for communications via the Platform.

7. Email Communications and Notices  
7.1. Service/Transactional Communications: By creating an account or registering for an Event, you understand and agree that we may send you operational and transactional emails necessary to provide the Services, such as: account verification, password reset, security alerts, registration confirmations, payment receipts/invoices, submission status updates, schedule changes, deadline reminders you configure, access links, and certificate-related notices.  
7.2. Accuracy of Email Address: You are responsible for providing a valid email address and keeping it up to date.  
7.3. Unsubscribe / Opt-Out: Certain operational communications are essential to the Services and may not be optional. Where applicable (e.g., optional informational messages), we provide opt-out mechanisms as required by law.  
7.4. Anti-Abuse: We maintain suppression lists and other controls to reduce bounces, complaints, and abuse, and we may throttle or restrict communications to protect deliverability and Platform integrity.

8. Payments, Fees, and Refunds (If Applicable)  
8.1. Some Events may require payment for registration or services. Pricing, taxes, and payment terms will be shown at checkout or within the relevant Event page.  
8.2. Refund policies may vary by Event and Organizer and will be presented during registration/payment. Unless otherwise stated, refunds are subject to the applicable Event policy and deadlines.  
8.3. We may use third-party payment providers. We do not store full payment card details unless explicitly stated.

9. Third-Party Services and Organizer Terms  
9.1. Events may be organized by third parties. Organizers may impose additional terms, policies, and requirements (e.g., submission rules, attendance requirements, certificate rules). You agree to comply with those terms for the specific Event.  
9.2. The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for third-party content, services, or policies.

10. Privacy  
Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect personal data. Please review it at: https://www.istes.org/about/privacy-policy.

11. Intellectual Property  
The Platform and its underlying software, design, and branding are owned by ISTES or its licensors and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws. Except as expressly permitted, you may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of the Platform.

12. Availability, Changes, and Termination  
12.1. We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Platform at any time, including for maintenance, security, or compliance reasons.  
12.2. We may suspend or terminate your access if you violate these Terms, applicable laws, or if required to protect the Platform, Users, or third parties.

13. Disclaimer of Warranties  
The Platform is provided on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.

14. Limitation of Liability  
To the fullest extent permitted by law, ISTES will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of data, profits, or revenues, arising from your use of the Platform. Our total liability for any claim will not exceed the amount paid by you to us (if any) in the [3] months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

15. Indemnification  
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless ISTES from any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of your use of the Platform, your Content, or your violation of these Terms or applicable law.

16. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution  
These Terms are governed by the laws of [Türkiye / your jurisdiction]. Courts located in [Istanbul / your city] shall have exclusive jurisdiction, unless mandatory consumer protection laws provide otherwise.

17. Contact  
If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at:  
Email: [info@istes.org]

If you are an Organizer and need additional contractual terms (Organizer Terms), please contact us.