The ASPET Council recently reviewed the Society’s bylaws and proposed a revision at the business meeting in Chicago. Members have voted to approve the proposed amendment below.
The purpose of the amendment was to provide the ASPET Council the flexibility to expeditiously revise membership categories to better reflect the changing needs of our community. For example, post-baccalaureate trainees are a growing segment of the population of young scientists, but the current membership structure does not accommodate them as they do not qualify for either of ASPET’s trainee categories. As a result, they are not eligible to apply for travel or best presentation awards during a crucial time in their career preparation.
Upon reviewing past revisions to the bylaws, Council found numerous changes over the last 20 years relating to membership categories. The process for amending bylaws is lengthy and simple changes can take up to a year to implement. The new amendment to the bylaws gives Council the flexibility to make changes to membership categories rather than repeatedly amending the bylaws.
The Council will be meeting soon to discuss how best to incorporate post-baccalaureate trainees into ASPET’s membership categories.
AMENDMENT – Revise Membership Categories Section
Original Text:
SECTION 1. Membership Categories
ITEM 1. Regular Members.
Any qualified investigator who has conducted and published a meritorious original investigation in pharmacology shall be eligible for membership in the Society.
Revised Text:
SECTION 1. Membership Categories
ITEM 1. Membership Categories, Eligibility, Benefits and Dues.
Membership categories, criteria, benefits and dues shall be established by the Council.
ITEM 2. Regular Members.
Any qualified investigator who has conducted and published a meritorious original investigation in pharmacology shall be eligible for membership in the Society.
Subsequent text in this section remains unchanged.