Terms of Reference

Approved 2006

1. Preamble:

The Scientists in Reproduction Group is a body of researchers working in reproduction with animal models. Most are active in the filed of reproductive physiology and interested in basic knowledge in reproduction as well as applied physiology both to animals and humans.

2. Mandate:

The mandate of the Scientists in Reproduction Group is to foster improvement in fundamental research in relation to reproduction in animals and humans by promoting the ongoing education, professional development, scientific collaboration and exchange with clinicians in the reproductive sector

3. Objectives

To represent the voice of Scientists in Reproduction in public and clinical debates
To act as a resource Scientists in Reproduction
To promote a communication network (e.g. newsletter, web site) for the exchange of ideas and information.
To promote continuing education programs, which reflect current issues and trends, and meet the needs and requirements of ART laboratory professionals
To promote scientific collaboration and participation to major grant applications in our field
To liaise with researchers on studies involving human reproductive material
4. Membership:

Membership is open to professionals with academic credentials who are members of CFAS interested or involved in animal or human reproduction studies

5. Governance:

Executive
Initially, the SSIG is to be governed by a committee of 4 members: Chair, Co-chair, Communications, and Education.

Duties and responsibilities of committee members

Chair
Serves term of 2 years, then further 2 years as Honorary past chair.
Acts as primary liaison with CFAS President and Executive Director.
Provides an annual report to CFAS Executive Director to describe recent activities of SSIG, and goals for coming year.
Vice chair
Serves term of 2 years.
Assists chair with his/her duties and responsibilities.
Assumes duties of chair in event of his/her absence.
Communication
Serves term of 2 years.
Liaises with CFAS administration regarding website.
Records minutes of SSIG meetings.
Forwards copies of all minutes to members, and to CFAS Executive Director.
Receives applications for membership and maintains current membership list.
Responds to inquiries from public and media and members about research in reproduction
Education
Serves term of 2 years.
Identifies potential topics and subject matter for discussion and collaboration.
Liaises with CFAS and SSIG executive to plan annual educational event.
Reviews research abstracts of a psychosocial nature submitted to the CFAS annual meeting.
Informs SSIG members of relevant educational opportunities
Term of office
Chair, and Vice-Chair serve for 2 years. Communications and Education roles serve initially for 1 year, and thereafter for 2 years. After 2 years, immediate past chair remains on committee as Honorary past chair for further term, which will raise board membership to 5.

This allows for a staggered committee turnover such that

Year 1
4 new members elected. (Chair and Vice Chair for 2 years, Communications and Education positions for 1 year).
Year 2
2 new members elected. (Communications and Education)
Year 3
2 new members elected. (Chair and Vice Chair. Immediate past chair remains on committee as Honorary past chair, raising number to 5)
Year 4
2 new members elected. (Communications and Education
Re-election
Each position serves for one term of office, but a member may stand for re-election to a different position.

Note: As the SSIG further develops, various sub-committees may be formed as needed

Voting
Election of the executive committee will be held at the annual meeting, in conjunction with the CFAS annual conference.

All SSIG members are eligible to vote.

CFAS website and/or mailing will be used to invite nominations, and to announce candidates in advance.

6. Revision policy:

The Executive Committee will undertake a comprehensive revision of this document every five years and submit the proposed changes to the membership for approval prior to submission to the CFAS Board.