IMS Study Groups

IMS members sharing a common interest in an interdisciplinary theme of international scope can form a study group which must be approved by the Directorium. Study groups organize themselves and meet at least every two years. Their reports are published in the IMS Newsletter.

1. Study Groups (SGs) are groups of IMS members sharing a common interest in a particular theme or field. The membership of the group should be international.
2. The name of an SG should reflect the activities of the SG.

1. SGs comply with the Internal Regulations approved by the Directorium.
2. Supplementary Regulations may be devised by each SG. These should be approved by the Directorium.
3. Every SG is presided by an elected chair. Other governing groups (steering committee, executive board, etc.) are optional and should be specified in the Supplementary Regulations.
4. All members of the governing executive groups are to be IMS members.
5. The SG chair functions as the liaison officer to the Directorium.

1. Establishment: Any group of IMS members wishing to form an SG should apply to the Directorium giving the intended aims and objectives, a mission statement, proposed membership, and a request for official recognition. Upon Directorium approval, the SG is created.
2. Longevity: SGs are approved by the Directorium for an initial term of five years. SGs can be prolonged indefinitely in successive five-year terms, each upon request.

1. Meetings, in-person or online, are the main vehicle of scholarly communication among SG members. Such meetings should take place at least every two years.
2. After each meeting, the SG submits a report to the Directorium, including a program and a list of participants.
3. Attendance fees may be levied by each SG to cover the costs of events.
4. The participation of SGs at IMS Congresses will be regulated by the organizing committee of each congress.

1. Any IMS member may request membership of any SG.
2. Membership should be requested in writing to the SG chair who can provisionally approve membership on behalf of the relevant executive committee.
3. Membership is free of charge.
4. Non-IMS members participating in the activities of a given SG should be encouraged to apply for IMS membership.
5. SG members who are IMS members should receive a discount of at least 20% for attendance fees at any SG event. Non-IMS members are excluded from any discounts.
6. All participants of SG events are expected to comply with the IMS Code of Ethics.

1. Unless a renewal is requested, SGs will be dissolved automatically after a five-year term.
2. SGs may dissolve themselves at any time. The request for dissolution has to be supported by the majority of the SG members.
3. The Directorium is entitled to reconsider the status of SGs that do not comply with the Internal Regulations.

Approved by the IMS Directorium on August 6, 2024.