Procedure for the consideration of membership by the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees (BOT) will take the following procedure into consideration on application for membership:
1. If a country contacts a BOT member directly, the enquiry will be referred to the Secretariat.
2. The Secretariat will forward the enquiry to the BOT members for consideration of the merits of the case. At least two BOT members from different MSPs must be willing to take on the case for evaluation before it can be considered further.
3. If two BOT members agree to pursue the case, the representatives of the candidate country will assist in the development of a portfolio reflecting the country’s scientific merits. The portfolio might address the following: the level of private and governmental support of research and the level of activity of universities and institutes; the level of education in terms of the number of PhDs awarded and scientists involved in research; information on the international recognition of the country's scientists; the level of involvement in peer reviewed scientific programs; bibliometrics and other relevant criteria; readiness to assume financial commitments as determined by the IGC.
4. The two BOT members reviewing the nomination should consult with the COS for advice on the status of science in the candidate country by providing the information collected on its scientific merit. In carrying out the review, the Secretariat will provide assistance, as needed.
5. When the two BOT members judge the portfolio to be complete, they will present it at a BOT meeting for a vote by the BOT members.
6. Approval of membership requires a unanimous vote by the BOT.