Amendment to the ISSCR Bylaws

AMENDMENT I: Recognition of regional affiliated organizations

SECTION 1: PURPOSES
In recognition of the importance of increasing the opportunities for local and regional interactions by members of the global stem cell research community, this Amendment to the International Society for Stem Cell Research (hereinafter, “ISSCR”) bylaws is made to establish a framework under which regional stem cell research organizations can apply for and maintain status as an affiliated organization of the ISSCR (hereinafter, “Regional Affiliated Organization(s)”).  Individual National Research Organizations who do not have access to a Regional Research Organization may apply for Affiliated Organization status.

SECTION 2: REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
Applications for status as a Regional Affiliated Organization shall be made to the ISSCR Board of Directors, in a format and schedule to be specified by the ISSCR. Approval shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the board of directors then in office at any regular or special meeting of the directors duly called after notice to the directors of that purpose. The applicant organization shall be informed of the ISSCR Board of Directors’ decision in writing. The ISSCR and a Regional Affiliated Organization may at that time enter into a separate agreement regarding the specific terms and conditions of the Regional Affiliated Organization’s status, and its relationship to and interactions with the ISSCR.

SECTION 3: MEMBERSHIP
Members of Regional Affiliated Organizations shall be encouraged to become members of the ISSCR by adopting concrete measures, such as the offer of registration discounts for regional meetings to ISSCR members. The ISSCR shall make available to the Regional Affiliated Organization such information as necessary for the Regional Affiliated Organization to confirm ISSCR membership status of individuals. The Regional Affiliated Organization shall make available to the ISSCR such information as necessary to promote ISSCR membership to the members of the Regional Affiliated Organization.  The ISSCR and Regional Affiliated Organization r may, by a separate agreement, set a minimum number or percentage of active ISSCR members required to maintain Regional Affiliated Organization status. In such cases, the Regional Affiliated Organization shall make information on its membership available to the ISSCR in a timely fashion to allow the ISSCR to determine whether such minimum requirements are met.

SECTION 4: ACTIVITIES
The Regional Affiliated Organization shall plan, organize and conduct activities as deemed appropriate and beneficial to the stem cell scientific community and society in its geographical region, including but not specifically limited to the following: holding of scientific meetings, symposia, workshops and training courses; disseminating of information and ideas relating to stem cells; supporting the academic, scientific and professional development of its members; and coordinating and facilitating the participation of its members in international projects and standards compliance. The Regional Affiliated Organization shall consult with the ISSCR during the planning of any regional activities, and exercise its best efforts to ensure that activities are scheduled so as not to compete or conflict with the activities of the ISSCR.

SECTION 5: ADMINISTRATION
The establishment, organization and administration of any Regional Affiliated Organization shall be conducted by that Regional Affiliated Organization independent of the ISSCR. Upon the request of the ISSCR, the Regional Affiliated Organization shall make information regarding its organizational structure and operations available in a timely fashion.

SECTION 6: FINANCES
The finances of the ISSCR and the Regional Affiliated Organization shall be separate and independent. The ISSCR takes no responsibility for the funding, accounting or auditing of any Regional Affiliated Organization’s finances. Each Regional Affiliated Organization shall conduct its financial activities independent of the ISSCR, and shall indemnify the ISSCR, its directors and officers against any charge or claim relating to the Regional Affiliated Organization’s financial dealings, obligations, or holdings. Each Regional Affiliated Organization shall bear sole responsibility for securing funds required for its activities.

SECTION 7: STANDARDS
The Regional Affiliated Organization will exercise its best efforts to ensure that the members of the Regional Affiliated Organization adhere to the standards of conduct for safe and ethical practice in the fields of stem cell research as established by the ISSCR.

SECTION 8: INTERPRETATION AND CONSULTATION
In the event that questions should arise concerning the interpretation of the provisions of any agreement between the ISSCR and a Regional Affiliated Organization, or matters not prescribed therein, the Parties shall hold mutual consultation to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

SECTION 9: AMENDMENT
Any agreement between the ISSCR and a Regional Affiliated Organization may be amended with the prior written consent of both Parties.

SECTION 10.  CONFIRMATION OF AFFILIATED STATUS

During one of the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors all current Regional Affiliated Organizations will be reviewed for continuation of said status.  The affirmation or termination will be by voice vote.  The vote on any Regional Affiliated Organization may be tabled pending investigation if allegations of actions deleterious to the purposes of the ISSCR have been made in writing to the officers of the Society.

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Updated: May 8, 2008