Kidney International, Vol. 59 (2001), pp. 1995–2003

International Society of Nephrology

ANNOUNCEMENT: revision of the Constitution. We welcome comments orCONSTITUTIONAL REVISION suggestions, all of which should be forwarded to Profes-

sor Rashad Barsoum, Secretary-General of the Society,The purpose of this note is to provide the membersby August 31, 2001. Professor Barsoum’s address is:of ISN with a proposed revision of the ISN Constitution.

These revisions have been approved unanimously by Professor Rashad S. Barsoummembers of the Executive Committee and by members Secretary General, ISNof the Council. They will be presented to the general PO Box 91 Bab-El-Loukmembership of the Society at the World Congress of 11513 Cairo, EgyptNephrology in San Francisco at our business meeting on Tel/Fax: 1120(2)579 0267October 17, 2001. E-mail: isn@rusys.eg.net

These changes in the Constitution are based on two As mentioned earlier in this set of comments, theconsiderations: the expanding global mission of the Soci- membership of the Society will have an opportunity toety; and an increase in the number of programs of the vote on this revision of the Constitution at the GeneralSociety. The major changes are: Assembly meeting of the our Society, held on the morn-

a) The current ISN Executive Committee includes the ing of October 17, 2001, at the World Congress of Ne-Immediate Past-President, the President, the Presi- phrology in San Francisco.dent-Elect, the Vice-President, the Secretary-Gen-

Rashad S. Barsoum and Thomas E. Andreolieral, the Treasurer, and the Editor of Kidney Inter-Secretary-General, ISN President, ISNnational. The current Management Committee

includes: the President, the President-Elect, the Vice-President, the Secretary-General, the Treasurer, [(3)] AMENDED CONSTITUTIONthe Editor of Kidney International and two mem- [as of Sydney, 1997] as of Amsterdam 2000bers of the Council. The revised Constitution pro-poses to eliminate the Management Committee and

ARTICLE I. Name: The name of this organization isenlarge the Executive Committee with the addition“THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY”of three people: the Chair of the Commission for the

ARTICLE II. [The purpose of the International Soci-Global Advancement of Nephrology (COMGAN);ety of Nephrology (ISN) shall be:one individual from the Council who previously

(1) to promote and foster the exchange and diffusionserved as a member of the Management Commit-of concepts and information relating to nephrol-tee; and another member also from the Council.ogy throughout the world;At the same time, the Management Committee will

(2) to advance knowledge in the scientific disciplinesbe abolished. This will allow expansion of the ISNrelating to nephrology;Executive Committee by three members, therefore

(3) to hold international congresses of nephrology un-ensuring a more global representation on the Exec-der its auspices;utive Committee.

(4) to provide a suitable forum for the discussion ofb) The proposed revisions in the Constitution alsonephrological problems on an international scale;specify enlarging the Council of the Society by two

(5) to promote, sponsor, and financially support aadded positions, one from East Asia and one fromjournal, proceedings of meetings, or other appro-South Asia.priate publications.]There are a series of other relatively minor changes

The mission of the ISN is to advance the discipline ofin the Constitution. The proposed version of the Consti-nephrology worldwide. To fulfill its mission, the ISN willtution accompanies these introductory comments. It indi-enhance on a global level knowledge, research, clinicalcates specifically which new sentences, words or phrasespractice and leadership in nephrology, all according tohave been introduced (in bold faced type) and whichlocal needs. The ISN shall use various means to achievehave been deleted (underlined within brackets).

We invite members of the Society to read the proposed these goals including: publication of its official journal,

1995

International Society of Nephrology1996

Kidney International, Fellowship Training, the use of World Bank figures. The group is entitled to all theprivileges of full membership in the ISN and to one copycommissions to develop specific areas in nephrology, andof Kidney International, which must circulate among thescholarly meetings including the International Congressgroup. Prospective participants in this program shouldof Nephrology.contact the ISN Treasurer for application forms and de-ISN has been organized and shall be operated exclu-termination of eligibility. Except for the reduced mem-sively for the purpose described above and/or other char-bership fee, joint memberships shall be considered asitable, educational, and scientific purposes. No part of theregular members (Class 1).net earnings of the ISN shall [inure] accrue to the benefit

Section 4. An Emeritus member shall be designatedof [, or be distributable to its members,] officers or other“Emeritus member of the International Society of Ne-private persons, or be distributable to its members, exceptphrology” and shall constitute those who have been mem-that the ISN shall be authorized and empowered to paybers for a minimum of ten years and who have made anreasonable compensation for services rendered and toappropriate request to the Secretary-General of the ISNmake payments and distributions in furtherance of thefor cause, such as disability, retirement, hardship, etc.purposes set forth in Article II. No substantial part ofEmeritus members do not pay dues but they may choosethe activities of the ISN shall be the carrying on of propa-to continue their subscription to Kidney Internationalganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation;at a reduced rate.and the ISN shall not participate in, or intervene in (includ-

Section 5. An Honorary member shall be designateding the publishing or distributing of statements) any politi-“Honorary member of the International Society of Ne-cal campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.phrology.” Honorary membership may be conferredNotwithstanding any other provision of these Articles,upon any individual who has made contributions of ex-the ISN shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, en-ceptional merit. Honorary members shall be nominatedgage in any activities or exercise any powers that are notby the Executive Committee and ratified by the Councilin furtherance of the purpose of the Society.and are subject to approval by the General Assembly.They shall pay no dues and will receive the journal freeof charge.RULES AND BY-LAWS

Section 6. An Affiliated Society shall be designated“Affiliated Society of the International Society of Ne-

ARTICLE I. Membership phrology.” Affiliated Societies are national or regionalsocieties that adequately represent those concerned withSection 1. The ISN shall consist of [five] six classes ofscientific studies in the realm of nephrology. Affiliatedmembers:Societies may be other scientific societies or represent a(1) Memberscountry, a grouping of countries by common consent, a(2) Joint membersregion, a continent, or other geographic entities. There(3) Emeritus membersshall be one Affiliated Society per country or region, but(4) Honorary membersexceptions may be granted by the Council. A responsible(5) Affiliated Societiesofficer of each Affiliated Society will send annually a list(6) Corporate membersof individual members to the Secretary-General of the

Section 2. An individual member shall be designated ISN. In addition, the activities of the Affiliated Society“Member of the International Society of Nephrology.” should conform to the general purposes of the ISN. Af-Eligible for membership shall be any physician or scien- filiated Societies will each have two votes in the Generaltist holding a doctoral degree who has manifested a scien- Assembly.tific interest in nephrology. He or she shall pay annual Section 7. A Corporate member shall be designateddues as determined by the Council, which includes a “Corporate Member of the International Society of Ne-subscription to the Society’s official Journal. phrology.” [Corporate Sponsors.] Corporate member-

Members shall be members of the General Assembly ship may be extended to any corporation, partnership,and are eligible to vote and hold office. The Council may foundation, society, or other organization that has con-revoke membership by a two-third’s majority decision. tributed to the ISN annually a sum determined by theApplications for membership in the ISN shall be submit- Executive Committee. Corporate membership includested on a form approved by the Executive Committee. one subscription to the official Journal. Corporate mem-

Section 3. A joint member shall be designated “Joint bership is authorized by the Council and shall be recog-member of the International Society of Nephrology.” nized annually in at least one publication of the ISN.Entitled to joint membership at a reduced collective fee Section 8. Membership of Classes 1 and 2 [and 6]shall be any group of up to 10 physicians or scientists in terminates when dues have not been paid for two consec-

utive years. A list of the members of the Internationalcountries that are judged financially disadvantaged by

International Society of Nephrology 1997

Society of Nephrology [(Class 1)] will be available at [(6)] (8) Selection of the [place where] venue of theInternational Congress, [will be held] as a rule, atthe Congress.least six years in advance.

[(7)] (9) Establishment of guidelines for activities andARTICLE II: Finances, Journal Subscriptions functions sponsored by the ISN.and Terms [(8)] (10) Any other functions not otherwise desig-

Section 1. The financial year of the ISN extends from nated by the by-laws.January 1 to December 31. All memberships shall be Section 2. The Council of the ISN shall be composedrenewed annually or biennially. Dues are payable in ad- of all the [officer] Executive Committee members desig-vance and will be considered to be in arrears as of Janu- nated in Article IV, and [25] 27 Councilors, all of whomary 1. All new members shall be liable for the full annual shall be members of the ISN.dues for the year in which their application is accepted. Section 3. Term of Office

Section 2. Kidney International shall be available as Councilors may be elected for up to three terms if thefollows: interval between Congresses is two years, and up to two

1) Non-membership subscription at full rate. terms if the interval is three years. Councilors take office2) Members, Joint members and Emeritus members immediately after the meeting at which they were elected.

subscription at reduced rate. Section 4. Council Meetings3) Library and other institutional subscriptions. (1) There shall be two regular meetings of the CouncilSection 3. The subscription rates shall be determined at the time of the Congress, one at the beginning

by the [Management Committee] Executive Committee. of the Congress and the other, of the newly electedSection 4. “Term” as used in the rules and by-laws is Council, at the end of the Congress.

defined as the period between two International Con- (2) Additional meetings, called Special Meetings, maygresses of Nephrology. be held on the recommendation of the majority

of the Executive Committee.(3) An official mail ballot shall be circulated only afterARTICLE III. Council

approval of the ballot by the majority of the Exec-Section 1. The Council of the ISN shall be the govern- utive Committee, the results shall be binding only

ing body and the legal trustee of all property of the ISN. if two-thirds of the Council members respond, andIts composition shall reflect the various disciplines and two-thirds of the respondents register approval ofgeographic diversities of the Society. The duty of the the ballot in question.Council is to set the policy and to supervise the affairs

Section 5. Quorum and Votingof the ISN, to formulate by-laws, rules, and regulations.Quorum for the conduct of the Council business shallThe Council shall have all judicial and executive func-

consist of not less than 40% of the total Council memberstions.entitled to vote. There shall be no proxy voting. AllAmong its specific duties shall be:decisions of the Council shall be made by simple majority

(1) Election of the first four classes of members. vote of those present unless otherwise specified in the(2) Election of [officers to be ratified by the General by-laws. The Chair of the meeting shall have a vote and

Assembly,] the Vice-President from Members a casting vote in case of a tie.who are or have been members of the Executive Section 6. Filling of VacanciesCommittee or Council. Any vacancy that may occur on the Council during a

(3) Ratification of the usual ascent of the Vice-Presi- regular term by virtue of death, resignation, disqualifica-dent to President-Elect, and of the President- tion, or elevation to office may be filled by majority voteElect to President, which is intended for the strate- of the Executive Committee. Such an individual willgic continuity of the Society. serve the remainder of the unexpired term or until such

(4) Ratification of the proposed appointments of all time as a regular ballot is held by the Council. If it concernsother members of the Executive Committee, sub- a vacancy that occurs at the time of the regular election,ject to final approval by the General Assembly. then the candidate from the same region who finishes

[(3)] (5) To select two candidates for each unoccupied as runner-up during the election will occupy the seat.seat on the Council from the list of three submittedby the Nominating Committee.

ARTICLE IV. [Officers and] Executive Committee[(4)] (6) Formulation of the general policies of theofficial Journal as well as other publications. Section 1. [Officers of the ISN] The ISN Executive

[(5)] (7) Decision on the frequency of International Committee shall include the Immediate Past-President,President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary-Congresses of Nephrology.

International Society of Nephrology1998

General, Treasurer, [and] the Editor of Kidney Interna- such duties as may be designated by the Presidentand the Council.tional, the Chair of the Commission for the Global Ad-

vancement of Nephrology (COMGAN), and two Mem- (4) The Treasurer shall receive all dues and otherfunds, pay all obligations and debts and render abers nominated from the Council by the President in

consultation with the Nominating Committee and the complete financial account to the Council and tothe General Assembly. The Treasurer shall submitExecutive Committee, with the particular intent of en-

suring representation of the worldwide nephrology com- a proposed budget to the Council. Any deviationfrom this budget of an amount to be determinedmunity on the Executive Committee.

Section 2. Duties of [Officers] the Executive Com- by the Council shall receive the approval of theExecutive Committee before the expenditure ismittee

[The Officers] Members of the Executive Committee made. The account of the Treasurer shall be auditedannually by a legally authorized auditor from theshall exercise those duties and rights normally pertaining

to the offices they hold and in addition, any other duties country in which the Treasurer resides. The audi-tor will sign the cashbooks and the annual balancewhich may be assigned by the Council. Specific [Officers]

members shall have the following duties: together with the Treasurer. [The approval of thefinancial accounts by the Council will relieve the(1) The President shall have the final responsibilityPresident, Treasurer, and Auditor from all subse-for the administration of the Society. The Presi-quent financial responsibilities.]dent shall be Chair of the Council, the Executive

(5) The Secretary-General shall keep a record of allCommittee, [the Management Committee,] andclasses of membership of the ISN and keep a mi-the General Assembly. Except for the Nominatingnute book of the transactions of the ISN and itsCommittee, the President shall appoint the mem-committees. The Secretary-General shall keep thebers of standing and ad hoc committees, includingrecords of all meetings of the Council, the Stand-the Congress Program Committee, on the adviceing Committees, and the General Assembly andof the Executive Committee unless otherwise statedprepare a Secretary’s Report dealing with the ac-in the rules and by-laws. These shall be named attivities of the ISN and submit it to the Presidentthe regular meetings of the Council.before the Congress. The Secretary-General shall[The President shall appoint members of thebe responsible for coordinating the Secretariat oftemporary or ad hoc committees including thethe Society and the time and location of its com-Congress Program Committee.] The Presidentmittee meetings during the Congress.may, under special circumstances, call for a mail

(6) The Editor of Kidney International shall deter-vote of the Executive Committee, but the result ismine and be responsible for the editorial and ad-binding only if the vote is unanimous. The Presidentvertising policy of the official Journal with theshall be responsible for the appointment or reap-advice of the [Management Committee] Execu-pointment of the Editor with the advice and con-tive Committee and the Council. Subject to thesent of the [Management Committee] Executiveapproval of the [Management Committee] Execu-Committee. The President, in consultation withtive Committee, the Editor shall appoint the Edi-the Executive Committee and the Nominatingtorial Board and its officers, taking account of theCommittee, will select one nominee for Secretary-international character of the Society. The EditorGeneral and one nominee for Treasurer, all to beshall convene a meeting with the editorial groupratified by the Council.at each Congress.(2) The President-Elect shall assist the President in

Section 3. Executive Committeeany duties, which the President may delegate, ordesignate and shall nominate members of the No- (1) Six members of the Executive Committee shallminating Committee. The President-Elect shall constitute a quorum. The Executive Committeetake office as President at the end of the Congress shall make decisions by majority vote, unless oth-and preside as Chair over the second regular meet- erwise specified. The Chair has the deciding vote.ings of the Executive Committee and Council. The Executive Committee may act on behalf of

(3) The Vice-President shall preside at any official the Council in intervals between regular Councilmeeting which the President is unable to attend meetings. These actions of the Executive Commit-

tee must be ratified at the next official meeting ofand shall fulfill the duties of the President shouldhe or she be unable to discharge them. If both are the Council.

(2) The Executive Committee advises the Organizingunable to function, the line of succession shall bePresident-Elect, Secretary-General, and Treasurer, Committee of the forthcoming Congress accord-

ing to the guidelines established by the ISN forrespectively. The Vice-President shall perform

International Society of Nephrology 1999

the operation of International Congresses. A mem- the list, but only once. A second list supplied bythe President-Elect, which must contain at leastber of the Organizing Committee of the previous

Congress shall assist in this task of the Executive three new candidates, constitutes the official No-minating Committee without further ratificationCommittee.

(3) In case of war or other emergency preventing ac- by the Council. In case of a subsequent vacancyor the inability of a member to serve, the Presi-tion by the Council and the General Assembly,

the Executive Committee may take over the func- dent-Elect shall make a replacement appointment.The Nominating Committee, through its Chair,tions of the Council and the General Assembly

and shall continue in office until the emergency shall confer frequently with the President [Elect],in the intervals between Congresses.is over and until a meeting of the General Assem-

bly and the Council can be held. (2) The Nominating Committee decides by mail ballotat an early stage on the distribution of the unoccu-Section 4. Term of Officepied seats on Council among the five regions as[Officers are elected for one term. No Officer may bedefined under Article V, Section 2 (1).re-elected to the same office except the Secretary-General

(3) Members of the Nominating Committee are ex-and the Treasurer who may be elected as a rule for nopected to hold appropriate consultations with themore than two additional terms. The Editor shall benephrological community within their region toappointed for one term with option for renewal. Thegenerate names to be considered as candidates forChair of COMGAN shall have a six-year term with anthe Council and Executive Committee. Candi-option for renewal by the President in consultation withdates shall be selected as individuals on the basis ofthe Executive Committee and the Council. The two Ex-their contributions to the progress of nephrology.ecutive Committee members nominated by the PresidentThe names and curricula vitae of candidates shallin consultation with the Nominating Committee and thebe submitted by the members of the NominatingExecutive Committee, as described in Article IV, SectionCommittee to its Chair who shall distribute the1, shall have single six-year terms. No one may be electedcomplete material to all Committee members.President-Elect or Vice-President who has not previously

(4) At a meeting of the Nominating Committee, theserved as Officer or Councillor.]number of candidates shall be reduced to threeThe President, President-Elect, Past-President andfor each unoccupied seat on Council and to threeVice-President serve for one term. The Editor andfor each unoccupied seat on the Executive Com-COMGAN Chair may serve for more than three terms.mittee. The Chair of the Nominating CommitteeThe Secretary-General, Treasurer and the remainingshall submit the list of proposed candidates formembers of the Executive Committee may serve forthe Council and the Executive Committee togetherthree terms.with a brief resume to the President at the time ofthe last Council meeting before the International

ARTICLE V. Standing Committees Congress, i.e., usually at the ASN annual meetingpreceding the [ICN] Congress. For the benefit ofSection 1. Standing Committees shall be:continuity, the Vice-President generally ascends(1) Nominating Committeeto the position of President-Elect after ratification[(2) Management Committee]by the Executive Committee and the Council.[(3)] (2) Congress Program Committee

(5) At the above Council meeting, the Council pro-[(4)] (3) Such other Standing Committees as may beduces from the names submitted by the Nomi-designated by the Council.nating Committee a list of candidates containing

Section 2. Nominating Committee two names for each unoccupied seat on the Coun-(1) The Nominating Committee shall consist of one cil, attempting to establish equity in scientific disci-

member from each of the following regions: Af- pline and in geography. The list of two candidatesrica, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, North America, for each unoccupied seat on Council [will be dis-[South] Latin America. No more than two of these tributed to the members of the Society by mailmembers shall be former Councilors or members ballot, as] shall be published and mailed to theof the previous Executive Committee. Members membership. The ballot procedure shall be coordi-and the Chair of the Nominating Committee are nated by the Secretary-General. The result of theproposed by the President-Elect [immediately] ballot will be made public at the Congress. Fromfollowing the Congress at which the election took the candidates for the vacancies on the Executiveplace. The list of candidates is to be ratified by Committee, the Council will elect at its first meet-the Council [(or if needed,] by mail ballot[)]. The ing during the International Congress a single can-

didate. The Council shall present the list of candi-Council, by majority of respondents, may reject

International Society of Nephrology2000

dates for the Executive Committee to the General (4) The final scientific program of the forthcomingCongress, which shall also reflect the input of theAssembly for ratification.local Organizing and Program Committees, shall(6) Interim vacancies in any position may be filled bybe approved by the ISN Congress Program Com-the Executive Committee, and such individualsmittee and must conform to the principles estab-shall serve until the next official meeting of thelished by ISN.Council.

Section 5. Filling of vacanciesSection 3. Management [Committee] of Kidney Inter-Any vacancy that may occur on the Standing Commit-national

tees may be filled by the President, subject to the ap-The [Management] Executive Committee shall assistproval by the Executive Committee at its next meeting.the Editor and the Treasurer in the business affairs of

Kidney International. [The Committee shall be com-posed of the President as the Chairman, President-Elect, ARTICLE VI. Scientific CommissionsSecretary General, two members of the Council, the

Scientific Commissions dealing with specific aspects ofEditor and the Treasurer. The Committee shall be Com-nephrology can be established by the Executive Commit-posed of the Executive Committee and two members oftee subject to the approval of the Council. Normally, thethe Council. The Council members are especially as-Chair of each Commission shall be appointed by thesigned for this task by the President. The meetings of theExecutive Committee for [a four year] two terms withManagement Committee shall be called by its Chairmanan option for renewal. The Chair shall recommend mem-after consultation with the Editor and the Treasurer.]bers of the Commission for approval by the ExecutiveMinutes shall be kept and filed with the Secretary-Gen-Committee according to the rules established by ISN.eral.[Normally the number of members of a CommissionSection 4. ISN Congress Program Committeeshall not exceed eight.] The Commissions shall assist theThe ISN Congress Program Committee is the officialISN Congress Program Committee in the generation ofliaison between ISN and the local Organizing Committeethe scientific program and shall fulfill the aims and objec-of the forthcoming Congress for the preparation of thetives of Scientific Commissions as defined by ISN. Thescientific program. The number of Committee membersExecutive Committee shall decide about the terminationdepends on the total composition of the Program Com-of a Scientific Commission.mittee and may vary from congress to congress.

(1) The ISN Congress Program Committee shall gen-ARTICLE VII. General Assemblyerally be comprised of six members, at least two

The General Assembly shall be composed of all mem-of whom, as a rule, shall be Councilors, Past-Coun-bers attending the Congress and two delegates from eachcilors or previous Program Committee members.Affiliated Society. No other classes of membership shallIts composition shall reflect forefront science invote. The meeting of the General Assembly will be heldnephrology in the broadest sense and the interna-during the Congress after the first regular meeting oftionality of ISN.the Council.(2) Members of the ISN Congress Program Commit-

The functions of the General Assembly shall be:tee are appointed for two terms. To assure conti-nuity from Congress to Congress three members (1) To ratify the Council’s election of the Vice-Presi-shall be appointed immediately following each dent, [election] appointment of [Officer] Execu-Congress by the President in consultation with the tive Committee members and the results of theCouncil. The Chair of the ISN Congress Program [mail] ballot for new Councilors.Committee is appointed by the President and must (2) To ratify the actions of the Council on the mem-be a Councilor or Past-Councilor or a member bership of Affiliated Societies and of other classes.of a previous Congress Program Committee, and (3) To ratify changes in by-laws, rules and regulationsshall serve as Chair[man] for one term only. as recommended by the Council. Any proposed

(3) The ISN Congress Program Committee shall seek change must be submitted in writing to the Presi-input from the Scientific Commissions and shall dent and signed by five members, [read before]encourage suggestions from members and Affili- and voted upon by the General Assembly regard-ated Societies concerning format and content of ing submission to the Council. The proposedthe scientific program of the Congress. The ISN change will then be submitted to the Council forCongress Program Committee meets at the ex- debate and action.pense of ISN with the local Organizing and Pro- (4) To ratify decisions concerning the location of fu-gram Committees, as needed, in particular during ture Congresses.

(5) To vote upon any item of business which the Coun-the initial planning phase of a Congress.

International Society of Nephrology 2001

cil brings before the General Assembly. All deci- text should be prepared by the President and the Secre-tary-General in cooperation with the Editor.sions will be made by simple majority vote of those

members present at the General Assembly, unlessotherwise stated in the by-laws and regulations. ARTICLE XII. AmendmentsThe Chair has the deciding vote.

Section 1. Amendments to the by-laws may be pro-posed in writing by a majority vote of the Executive

ARTICLE VIll. Scientific Meetings Committee. The amendment must be circulated onemonth in advance of any official meeting of the Council.The ISN will hold International Congresses at regularThe amendment must be acted upon at the next officialintervals as determined by the Council. The ISN maymeeting of the Council. The notice of such an officialsponsor other international or regional meetings, work-meeting shall contain an announcement, text, and expla-shops and symposia as the Executive Committee seesnations of the proposed amendment or amendments.fit, but shall not obligate the ISN financially in excess ofProposed amendments shall require for their adoptionthe budget approved by the Council.an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Council, present.The Council action shall be ratified by the General As-sembly, as proposed in Article VII.ARTICLE IX. Free Circulation of Scientists

Section 2. Upon dissolution of ISN, the Council shall,Organizers of a Congress of the ISN and of meetingsafter paying or making provision for the payment of allsponsored by the ISN must, at the time of the invitation,of the liabilities of ISN) dispose of all of the assets of ISNagree in writing to the resolution of the Internationalexclusively for the purposes for which ISN was organizedCouncil of Scientific Unions (ICSU) regarding the freeand operated, in such manner, or to such organizationcirculation of scientists.or organizations organized and operated exclusively forcharitable, educational, or scientific purposes, as theCouncil shall determine. The decision of the Council asARTICLE X. Agendas and Minutes of Meetingsto the disposition of the assets of ISN shall be ratifiedSection 1. Agendasby the General Assembly or by the members.

(1) The agendas for the meetings of the Council andExecutive Committee to be held at the time of

ARTICLE XIII. Indemnificationthe Congress should be distributed at least onemonth prior to the meeting. New points can be The ISN shall indemnify each member of the Execu-added to the agendas and acted upon at the time tive Committee, Council, or any Committee of the ISNof the meeting. The agendas for Special Meetings against any liabilities or expenses, including attorney’sof the Council and the Executive Committee fees, reasonably incurred by such a member in connec-

tion with any actual or threatened legal action to whichshould be distributed at least one month prior tohe or she might become a party by reason of being suchthe meeting, unless there is an emergency. Deci-a member, except to the extent that the said membersions can be reached during Special Meetings onlyshall be adjudged in such action to be liable for grosson items listed on the agenda, except in the casenegligence or willful misconduct in the performance ofof urgent or unpredictable business.his or her duties.(2) The agenda for the General Assembly shall be

published in Kidney International before the Con-• • •gress. Further suggestions to the agenda have to

be made to the Council prior to its first RegularMeeting. International Society of Nephrology on the Web

Section 2. Minutes For ISN membership information and forms, ISN fel-Minutes of the Committee Meetings and the Council lowship program application forms, History of Nephrol-

Meetings shall be distributed not later than three months ogy grants and study programs, procedures on submittingafter the meeting. Minutes of the Meeting of the General a request to publish a Supplement in Kidney Interna-Assembly shall be ratified by the Executive Committee tional, and general Society news, contact http://www.isn-and published in Kidney International. online.org Table of contents and abstracts of all articles

published in Kidney International are available to thepublic. Full text plus graphics of articles in both pdf

ARTICLE XI. Circulation of Information and html files can be viewed and downloaded by ISNMajor affairs and decisions of the Society and its com- members on http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/Journals/

issuelist.asp?journal5kidmittees shall be published in Kidney International. The