CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I: FELLOWSHIP SELECTION PROCESS

Section 1: Nomination & Application

  1. Tracks: Candidates may be nominated by existing Fellows or may self-apply with endorsements from two senior experts.
  2. Submission Requirements:
    • Detailed CV (highlighting research, leadership, and impact).
    • Statement of Contribution – SOC (max 1000 words).
    • Two recommendation letters from distinguished experts.
    • List of top 5 publications/ innovations.

Section 2: Review & Decision

  1. Preliminary Screening: The Membership Committee verifies eligibility and completeness.
  2. Peer Review: Domain-specific panels assess research quality, leadership, and service.
  3. Final Approval: Recommended candidates are voted on by the Governing Council.
  4. Timeline: 3–6 months for evaluation.
  5. Outcome:
    • Approval: Formal invitation to join as Fellow.
    • Rejection: Feedback provided (reapplication allowed after 2 years).

Section 3: Induction & Recognition

  1. Requirements: Payment of the Fellowship fee (if applicable) and attendance at the Induction Ceremony.
  2. Recognition: New Fellows are formally inducted at the Annual Conference and listed in the online Fellows Directory.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES & RIGHTS

Section 1: Categories

  1. Fellow Members: Researchers, professionals, and academics.
  2. Institutional Members: Universities, research centers, and corporate entities.
  3. Honorary Members: Individuals recognized for significant contributions to the field.

Section 2: Membership Rights Members in good standing are entitled to:

  • Participate in conferences and events.
  • Access official publications.
  • Vote in general meetings (except Student Members).
  • Nominate candidates for positions in the Executive Council.

ARTICLE III: GOVERNANCE

Section 1: Governing Structure The association shall be governed by the Executive Council, comprising:

  1. President
  2. Vice President (VP)
  3. General Secretary
  4. Members of the Executive Council (up to 10)

Section 2: Duties of Officers

  1. President: Chief Executive Officer; represents the association and presides over meetings.
  2. Vice President: Supports the President and assumes responsibilities in their absence.
  3. General Secretary: Manages records, correspondence, agendas, and ensures bylaw compliance.
  4. Executive Council Members: Advise on strategy and lead specific committees.

Section 3: Terms of Office

  1. Officers shall serve a term of two years.
  2. Officers may seek re-election for one additional term, subject to a majority vote.

ARTICLE IV: COMMITTEES

Section 1: Standing Committees

  1. Research and Publication: Oversees journals, proceedings, and research approvals.
  2. Conference and Events: Plans and executes workshops and seminars.
  3. Membership and Networking: Manages recruitment, engagement, and partnerships.

Section 2: Ad-Hoc Committees The President, with Executive Council approval, may establish temporary committees for specific tasks.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS & QUORUM

Section 1: General Meetings

  1. An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held to review activities and elect officers.
  2. Members must receive notice at least 30 days in advance.

Section 2: Executive Council Meetings The Council shall meet quarterly to discuss strategic and operational matters.

Section 3: Quorum

  1. AGM: 25% of voting members.
  2. Executive Council: 50% of Council members.

ARTICLE VI: FINANCES

Section 1: Fiscal Year: January 1 to December 31.

Section 2: Dues: Determined by the Executive Council. Honorary members are exempt.

Section 3: Oversight: Funds must be used solely for association activities; an annual financial report shall be presented at the AGM.

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS

Amendments may be proposed by the Executive Council or by a petition of 10% of voting members. Ratification requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority of members present at a quorate AGM.

ARTICLE VIII: DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution, all remaining assets shall be distributed to non-profit organizations with similar objectives, as determined by the final Executive Council.