The purpose of a SIRG is to provide opportunities for international and multidisciplinary networking between scientists and members of IASSID within the same area of interest. In this way, they may create opportunities for sharing information, developing initiatives, finding new colleagues and being visible to newcomers in the field. Through the SIRGs, groups of scientists in the field may easily cooperate on common themes of interests.

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If you want to establish a SIRG or an affinity group: please contact Professor Robert Davis at : [email protected]

Policy and Procedure Statement on
IASSID SPECIAL INTEREST RESEARCH GROUPS (SIRGs)

The purpose of a SIRG is to provide opportunities for international and multidisciplinary networking between scientists and members of IASSID within the same area of interest. In this way, they may create opportunities for sharing information, developing initiatives, finding new colleagues and being visible to newcomers in the field. Through the SIRGs, groups of scientists in the field may easily cooperate on common themes of interests.

a. SIRGs are eligible to have a representative at the IASSID Council and so can influence IASSID policy.
b. SIRGs are offered a page on the IASSID website so as to facilitate visibility and communication.
The Council of IASSID wishes to encourage members to develop special interest research groups (SIRGs) that are designated by a specific research interest or topic, e.g., SIRG on Quality of Life.
The rules for the purpose, establishment and activities of such groups have been set by the IASSID Council.

C. Establishment

To be recognized as a SIRG within IASSID, a minimum of 10 individual IASSID members must agree to a set of common objectives and submit a petition to the IASSID Counci8l asking for the establishment of such a SIRG.

SIRGs are established with a specific purpose with regard to the group's mission, have the required 10 IASSID individual or organizational members, and wish to establish a permanent structure. SIRGs need to maintain by-laws, have elected officers and an Executive Committee, keep written minutes, and hold regular meetings. (The periodicity to be determined by the group). Such groups are entitled to designated session time on the quadrennial IASSID Congress program. All SIRGs should endeavour to be multidisciplinary in their composition.

SIRGs may maintain their status within IASSID by holding at minimum a biennial scientific meeting, holding an annual business meeting, and maintaining a roster of members no less than 30, excluding the officers.

D. Organization & Administration

In becoming a SIRG, the members should elect a chairperson, deputy chairperson, a secretary/treasurer, and at least four other members to form an Executive Committee responsible for the affairs of the group and with which the Council and the IASSID Executive may communicate. Over and above this minimum requirement, the group may make its own decisions as to the exact size and structure of its committee, sub-committees or work groups and other matters.

E. Membership

SIRGs must maintain a membership register, noting the name and mailing address of members. A copy of the register is to be filed with the Secretary of the IASSID annually.
The formal membership of SIRGs shall be inclusive, not exclusive; all groups must accept any active IASSID member, individual or organizational.
The Secretary of a SIRG will notify to the Membership Secretary of IASSID, the names of all its members, both organizational or individual.
The Treasurer of the SIRG shall be responsible for all fiscal matters related to the activities of the SIRG, including collecting member fees and assessments, as well as disbursement of funds. The Treasurer will notify the Treasurer of IASSID annually of the status of the SIRGs funds. Such reports shall be submitted no later that March 1 st of each year.

F. Responsibilities

SIRGs should plan and conduct activities appropriate to their missions. These activities might include, but not be limited to: conferences, roundtables, workshops, internet listservs. dissemination of newsletters, etc.
All SIRGs shall provide the IASSID Council with an annual report of activities. This report must be submitted no later than March 1st of each year.

G. Fiscal and Legal Status

The IASSID is not liable nor responsible for any financial arrangements or debts incurred by any formal or informal SIRGs.
Passed by Council on 11 June 2005