Constitution
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Title
The title of the body shall be the “In Vitro Toxicology Society”, hereafter in this document referred to as the Society.
Definitions
In vitro toxicology is herein defined as any investigation related to toxicology using in vitro, ex vivo, or non-biological material methods.
Objectives
The objectives of the society are:
- to provide a forum for discussion for scientists actively involved in the study, practice or development of in vitro toxicology and its practical applications;
- to arrange scientific meetings on the subject of in vitro toxicology and its practical applications;
- to promote an exacting scientific approach to the practice of in vitro toxicology.
Membership
Membership is open to those involved in the practice, study or management of toxicology or with a scientific interest in the subject (subject to section 8).
Management of the Society
The society shall be managed by committee, which shall be guided by the wishes of the members as expressed at the annual general meeting (AGM).
The Committee
The committee should consist of at least 7 and no more than 9 persons of which individuals shall serve in the offices of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Secretary. The remaining persons will serve as ordinary members. Each committee member shall be elected for a term of 2 years. Retiring committee members shall be eligible to stand for re-election for two further 2-year terms.
The list of retiring committee members and a request for nominations will be circulated to the membership approximately two months prior to the AGM. Nominations shall be made to the secretary in writing at least one month prior to the AGM. Each nominee must signify his/her willing to stand for election and the nomination must be supported by the signatures of two current society members.
Election will be by simple majority vote of those society members present at the AGM. If an election is not required (where the number of candidates does not exceed the number of vacancies) the committee may accept the nominees without vote. In the absence of sufficient nominees the committee may invite a society member or members to serve on the committee. Selection of committee members to serve as officers shall be the first item of business of a new committee and will be by simple majority vote of the committee members.
Finance
The Chairman and the Treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining the finances of the society. The Treasurer (or deputy) will issue a statement of finances at each AGM and submit accounts to be recorded in the minutes, for each scientific meeting at the first committee meeting occurring thereafter.
The society shall administer an annual membership fee to contribute to the running costs of the society. The value of the fee shall be indicated at the time of acceptance of the application and shall not change for the membership without prior notification by the committee and approval at the AGM.
The Society is a non-profit making organisation. Monies accrued from meeting levies and membership fees will be directed to all reasonable costs of advancing the society objectives (invited speaker expenses, administration costs, publicity etc). Any surplus monies at the end of the year will be carried over to the following year.
Admission of members
Application for membership of the society shall be made to the Membership Secretary for consideration at the next committee meeting. The committee’s decision on application acceptance shall be final and there shall be no right of appeal. Continued membership is dependent on receipt of an annual subscription.
Members deemed by the committee to have brought the name of the society into disrepute can have their membership cancelled by a majority vote of the committee. There shall be no right of appeal.
Honorary life membership may be awarded by a majority vote of the committee in recognition of exceptional services to the society.
Meetings
The society will normally hold two scientific meetings a year. Meetings will be organised under the supervision of the committee, but may involve other members of the society.
Meeting participants will be charged for meetings at a cost plus a modest levy to contribute to the running costs of the meeting. Student rates of attendance may be applied if appropriate.
Where considered appropriate by the committee, the scientific meeting proceedings will be published in summarised form in a newsletter or recognised scientific journal.
Links with other organisations
The society may form links with other organisations sharing similar objectives in order to further the objectives of the society. Informal links shall require approval by the committee. Affiliations shall require approval by the membership at the AGM, and a copy of the terms of affiliation appended to the constitution.
Indemnification
The society shall indemnify all members of the committee in respect of all actions, claims and demands whatsoever made against them either alone or jointly with others in respect of any act, thing or about the business of the society, but no action may be taken on behalf of the society by any member of the committee without prior approval of the committee.
Liability
The society or its committee members shall not be held liable for any views expressed by any members whatsoever without specific endorsement being obtained at an AGM of the society via a resolution that has been accepted by a simple majority of members present.
Terms of IVTS/BTS Affiliation
The purpose of the affiliation will be to advance the science of in vitro toxicology. Affiliation will in no way affect the independence of the IVTS, but will confer the following benefits:
Allow input from IVTS into BTS decisions that might influence toxicology, particularly in Europe.
Provide opportunities for colleagues both central and peripheral to in vitro toxicology to advance the science and exchange ideas.
Audience enrichment
Publication of accepted abstracts in Human and Experimental Toxicology
Eligibility of attendees at joint meetings for BTS bursaries
Eligibility of participants at joint meetings for BTS student prizes
Administrative advantages at joint meetings e.g. publicity, mailing, bookings abstract submissions etc to be undertaken by the BTS
Participation in main BTS symposia at joint meetings