Guidelines & Archives
Overview
The 40 ISSMGE Technical Committees (TCs) operate on a voluntary basis and are led by a Chair and a Secretary, with a Vice-Chair appointed where appropriate. To reflect the international nature of ISSMGE, TC Chairs are encouraged to appoint a Secretary and Vice-Chair from Member Societies different from their own.
Each TC may include up to four members appointed by the Chair, up to two voting members nominated by each participating Member Society, and an unlimited number of corresponding members. Chair-appointed members and Member Society representatives have voting rights, while corresponding members do not.
The composition of TCs should promote geographical diversity and a balanced representation of academics, researchers, and practitioners. As a guideline, practitioner participation should exceed 25% of TC membership.
Member Societies are responsible for nominating their representatives and corresponding members and maintaining their records in the ISSMGE database. Only individuals officially registered in the database are recognized as TC members.
TC Chairs are expected to actively coordinate their committees, encourage member participation, and facilitate the implementation of TC activities. At the beginning of their term, Chairs should confirm members' willingness to participate. They are also encouraged to establish task forces for specific initiatives and delegate responsibilities among TC members.
The organization and functioning of the TCs are governed by the ISSMGE Guidelines, with guidance, coordination, and oversight provided by the Technical Advisory and Outcomes Committee (TAOC).
Guidelines for ISSMGE Technical Committees
The Guidelines for ISSMGE Technical Committees and ISSMGE Honour Lectures provide the framework for the organization, governance, and operation of ISSMGE Technical Committees (TCs).
They outline the objectives and responsibilities of TCs, membership and leadership requirements, procedures for appointing TC Chairs, expectations regarding activities and reporting, and the establishment and selection of ISSMGE Honour Lectures.
The guidelines are intended to support the effective functioning of TCs and ensure consistency, transparency, and active participation across the Society.
Download the Guidelines for ISSMGE Technical Committees and ISSMGE Honour Lectures (July 2026)
Guidelines Highlights
The following highlights summarize key provisions of the Guidelines for ISSMGE Technical Committees and ISSMGE Honour Lectures (July 2026), particularly those concerning the responsibilities of TC Chairs, membership, and committee organization. TC Chairs and members are encouraged to consult the full Guidelines for detailed requirements and procedures.
1. TC Leadership and Organization
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The TC Chair is responsible for organizing and coordinating the activities of the committee and should make a firm commitment to its effective functioning.
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The Chair nominates the TC Secretary and may also nominate a Vice-Chair. To reflect the international nature of ISSMGE, Chairs are strongly encouraged to select these officers from different Member Societies.
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The Chair may appoint up to four additional members from different countries whose expertise is considered essential to the committee's activities.
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Chairs are encouraged to establish task forces for specific activities and delegate responsibilities to TC members. Task force leaders, together with the Chair, Vice-Chair (if appointed), and Secretary, form the TC Executive.
2. TC Membership and Appointments
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Each ISSMGE Member Society (MS) may nominate up to two voting members to each TC.
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The term of appointment of Member Society-nominated members is eight years, with a possible four-year extension, subject to the applicable approval procedures and evidence of active participation.
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Member Societies may nominate an unlimited number of corresponding members, who may participate in TC meetings but do not have voting rights.
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Only nominations from Member Societies in good standing with ISSMGE are considered.
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The official TC membership is that recorded in the ISSMGE database. Individuals must be registered by their Member Society to be recognized as TC members.
3. Participation and Responsibilities
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At the beginning of their term, TC Chairs should contact members to confirm their availability and willingness to participate actively in the committee.
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TC members are expected to respond to communications, contribute to agreed activities, and report relevant TC developments to their Member Societies.
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Chairs should encourage active participation and may initiate the procedures described in the Guidelines to address prolonged inactivity.
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Individuals wishing to join a TC should contact their Member Society to request nomination and registration.
4. International Representation and Professional Diversity
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TC membership should reflect the international character of ISSMGE and include a balanced representation of academics, researchers, and practitioners.
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As a guideline, practitioner participation should exceed 25% of TC membership.
5. Continuity and Oversight
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The lifetime of a TC is not necessarily linked to the term of an ISSMGE Presidency.
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The Technical Advisory and Outcomes Committee (TAOC) provides guidance and oversight of TC activities and makes recommendations concerning their continuation, establishment, or dissolution.
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Decisions concerning the establishment or dissolution of TCs rest with the ISSMGE President, in accordance with the procedures established in the Guidelines.
For complete provisions, exceptions, and administrative procedures, please consult the full Guidelines (July 2026) introduced in the previous section.
ISSMGE Open Access Policy
An essential mission of the ISSMGE is to provide up to date technical and scientific information to contribute to the improvement of knowledge easily available for the profession. Following the ISSMGE Open Access policy (see the ISSMGE Publication and Conference Manual), TCs are strongly encouraged to publish in Open Access their scientific production, and particularly the Proceedings of their Conferences, Symposium and Workshops that they organise. It is also important, and not too difficult, to promote the Proceedings through major databases, as described in this report.