Article I – Name & Purpose
Name: International Society for Stem Cell Applications (ISSCA).
Purpose: Foster regenerative medicine through collaboration, professional development, research, and published guidance, grounded in integrity, openness, and community.
Article II – Core Values & Ethics
We affirm:
Scientific Rigor: Commitment to high-quality, ethical research and practice.
Respect & Inclusion: Welcome practitioners at all levels, from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
Transparency: Open, supportive sharing of ideas, data, and findings.
Patient-Centered Ethics: Center practice on informed consent, safety, and well-being.
A separate, public Code of Ethics will detail commitments to patient rights, evidence-based practice, and professional conduct.
Article III – Membership
Open-to-All: Researchers, clinicians, students—anyone aligned with ISSCA’s mission.
Simple Dues: Annual dues set by the Board, with waivers available to reduce barriers.
No Automatic Removal: Membership ceases only by resignation, non-payment (after 90 days), or ethics violations under Article II.
Article IV – Leadership & Meetings
Board of Directors: An odd-numbered, volunteer Board elected annually by members.
Roles: Annual dues set by the Board, with waivers available to reduce barriers.
President: Leads meetings, represents ISSCA.
Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer: Standard roles, focused on governance, records, and finances.
Additional Directors: As elected.
Elections & Terms: Simple annual votes via online ballot; terms are one year with no term limits.
Meetings:
General Assembly: Annual, open to all members.
Board Meetings: Quarterly (remote or in-person) on dates set by the Board.
Article V – Financials
Revenue Sources: Membership dues, donations, event income, sponsorships.
Use of Funds: Solely for ISSCA’s mission—no personal benefit.
Financial Oversight: Annual financial report, basic audit, Board approval required for expenditures.
Dues Policy: Grace period of 90 days; waivers at Board discretion.
Article I – Name & Purpose
Amendments: Require simple majority vote of Board, with updates shared publicly.
Ethics & Discipline:
Ethics Committee reviews alleged violations.
Respondent notified and may respond.
Board issues outcome by majority vote.
Conflicts of Interest: Must be disclosed; involved party must recuse from relevant decisions.
Article VII – Inclusive Community
Engagement
SIGs & Working Groups: Any member can propose a group; simply define a purpose, elect
co-leaders, and report annually.
Publications & Events: Members may freely publish and present research through ISSCA-sponsored initiatives.
Open Dialogue: Feedback and suggestions encouraged via online forums and during meetings.
Article VIII – Dissolution
Upon dissolution, remaining assets will support nonprofit regenerative medicine initiatives.
Notes on Style & Tone
Clarity over complexity: No legalese, no exhaustive quorum rules.
Open participation: Low thresholds for involvement and leadership.
Values-first: Ethics and transparency are central pillars.
Adaptable: Annual review ensures bylaws evolve with the field.
Next Steps & Feedback
Publish Draft: Share with members for input via an online survey/discussion.
Adoption: Revise based on feedback; approve by Board and ratify at next General Assembly.
Ethics Code Development: Simultaneously draft a standalone ethics document.
