Statutes

ARTICLES OF THE INVADOSOME CONSORTIUM

In light of the recent characterization of two novel adhesion structures, the podosome and the invadopodium, it appears timely to capitalize on these recent developments and to provide the interested researchers with a stable forum for the discussion and evaluation of the latest breakthroughs in the mechanisms of cell adhesion and tissue invasion.

I. LOCATION, OBJECT

ARTICLE 1

The “Invadosome Consortium” is an international association with scientific goals.

The specific aim of the Invadosome Consortium is the promotion of scientific knowledge concerning the structure and function of invasion-mediating adhesions, as well as the dissemination of scientific knowledge.

The primary activity of the Invadosome Consortium is the preparation of regular meetings.

The Invadosome Consortium also maintains a website at www.invadosomes.org for the display of relevant announcements and links to the Invadosome Consortium meetings, as well as to other activities relevant to research, training and education directed at invasive adhesions.

The Invadosome Consortium carries out actions directly or indirectly pertaining to its objective, primarily via the organization of or participation in congresses, conferences, and presentations, as well as the publication of books, periodicals, and other media.

There is (and will be) no fees for membership to the Invadosome Consortium.

The Invadosome Consortium is intended an as international association with purely scientific goals, with coordinating offices situated in Europe and in North America.

ARTICLE 2

The offices of the association shall be situated in Italy, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Department of Cell Biology and Oncology, Via Nazionale 8a, 66030 Santa Maria Imbaro, ITALY; Germany, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologe, Virologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Eppendorf, Campus Forschung, Gebäude N27, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, GERMANY; and the US, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. The offices may be transferred by resolution of the Board of the association. If deemed appropriate, the Board may also establish one or more administrative offices.

ARTICLE 3

The organization shall be entitled to carry out any actions directly or indirectly pertaining to its objective, including the acquisition, rental or borrowing of property, offices, installations and other facilities, the organization of or participation in congresses, conferences and presentations and the publishing of books, periodicals and other publications. It shall be entitled at all times to call upon outside experts in so far as it considers this useful on scientific or practical grounds.

II. MEMBERS

ARTICLE 4

The association consists of ordinary members and of supporting members. Admission to membership is open to private individuals and corporate entities of any nationality.

ARTICLE 5

All those persons are accepted as ordinary members by a resolution of the Board of the Consortium, on condition that the member takes an interest in the activities organized by the Consortium.

All private individuals or corporate entities (in addition to business, non-profit organizations, scientific institutions, etc.), which, without becoming ordinary members, wish to support the Consortium by financial means may be accepted as supporting member.

ARTICLE 6

All members shall be free to withdraw from the Consortium at all times on the condition that they inform the Board in writing of their intention to do so.

III. GENERAL ASSEMBLY

ARTICLE 7

The General Assembly possesses full power in order to realize the objectives of the Consortium.

It consists of all ordinary and supporting members. It is charted by one of the Presidents of the Board of the Consortium. The powers of the General Assembly are as follows:

to appoint and remove from Office the members of the Board of the Consortium.
to amend the articles of the Consortium.
to improve and expand the organization.

ARTICLE 8

The General Assembly meets in full rights at least once in two years. A convening letter from the Presidents of the Board of the Consortium will inform of the scheduled dates, location and agenda. In special cases, a special General Assembly can be called by any of the Presidents.

ARTICLE 9

All members shall have equal voting rights at the General Assembly. Resolutions shall be passed by a simple majority of the votes present or represented. No valid decision may be taken on any matter not mentioned in the agenda.

The General Assembly’s resolutions shall be entered in a regular register of minutes signed by the Presidents and at least one member of the Board.

IV. MODIFICATIONS OF THE STATUTES – DISSOLUTION

ARTICLE 11

Any proposition whose object is a modification of the statutes or dissolution of the Consortium must come from the Board or at least two-thirds of the members of the Consortium.

V. ADMINISTRATION

ARTICLE 12

The Consortium shall be run by a Board consisting of no less than three members.

The Board of the Consortium is appointed and approved by the General Assembly.

ARTICLE 13

The Board of the Consortium shall appoint from among its members three Presidents and a Secretary-treasurer. If a President is unable to attend, his or her duties shall be taken over by the oldest member present.

ARTICLE 14

The Board of the Consortium shall meet as convened by the Presidents of the Board.

ARTICLE 15

The Board of the Consortium shall have full powers to manage and administer the Consortium with the exception of those powers explicitly reserved for the General Assembly.

ARTICLE 16

The decisions of the Board of the Consortium are taken by an absolute majority of votes. In the event of a tied vote, the Presidents shall have the casting vote. The decisions of the Board of the Consortium shall be entered in a special register, which shall be signed by the Presidents. It shall be kept at the office of the Consortium and shall be available for consultation by members.

VI. BUDGETS AND ACCOUNTS

ARTICLE 17

The organization’s financial year starts on January 1st, and shall end on December 31st.

ARTICLE 18

The members of the Board are presently:

Presidents

Sara Courtneidge (USA)
Stefan Linder (GER)

Board Members (to be elected)

Philippe Chavrier (FRA)
John Condeelis (USA)
Reinhard Faessler (GER)
Benjamin Geiger (ISR)
Elisabeth Genot (FRA)
Chi-Ming Hai (USA)
Gareth Jones (UK)
Frank van Leeuwen (NL)
Susette Mueller (USA)
Carol Otey (USA)
Pavel Vesely (CZ)
Alissa Weaver (USA)