ATSB Charter

Association Tunisienne des Sciences Biologiques « ATSB » (registration 13195 of 10 June 1998, published in JORT No. 72 of 14 July 1998).

• Provide the necessary support to scientific research in the field of biological sciences and biotechnology.
• Maintain ties between researchers and industry players in the bio-industries sector.
• Organize regular scientific congresses.
• Disseminate and publish research work and scientific information through its journal ATSB-Tunisie.
• Support young researchers.
• Establish collaborations with national and international scientific associations to promote multidisciplinarity in the service of biological sciences.

Any researcher affiliated with a Tunisian university, or a graduate researcher (Master's, PhD) in Biology / Chemistry / Biological Engineering / Biotechnology / Agronomy / Medical & Veterinary Sciences / Environment, may become a member. The association is responsible for keeping a complete, up-to-date list of its members.

Memberships are taken out mainly during ATSB's annual congresses. They remain open throughout the year upon request to the ATSB General Secretary. Membership fees are annual and amount to 15 Tunisian dinars.

5.1 The triennial ordinary general assembly is the association's supreme body. It validates all resolutions relating to the charter and the running of the association and elects the members of the executive board by universal suffrage.

5.2 The general assembly brings together all members of the association.

5.3 The quorum of the general assembly is set at a minimum of 50% +1 of the association's members. If the quorum is not reached, the executive board sets the place, date and time of another assembly and informs the members. This second assembly is no longer subject to the 50% +1 quorum.

5.4 The association's secretary convenes the members by announcement and email at least two weeks before the date of the general assembly, stating the time, place and agenda.

5.5 A copy of the activity report covering the association's 3-year term, and of the financial report (detailed statement of income and expenditure), must be submitted at the end of each 3-year term to the Presidency of the Tunisian Government.

5.6 At the request of two-thirds of the executive board members or at least half of the members, the board is required to convene an extraordinary general assembly within one week before the meeting, stating the date, place, time and agenda.

6.1 The executive board oversees the association's day-to-day affairs and carries out any mandate conferred on it by the general assembly.

6.2 The executive board is composed of 11 members. These members must hold the status of researcher affiliated with a Tunisian university throughout the period they sit on the board.

6.3 Candidates for a position on the executive board must have at least two memberships during the current term.

6.4 The term of the executive board members is 3 years.

6.5 Composition and responsibilities. The executive board comprises:

• a Coordinating President and a Vice-President,
• a General Secretary and a Deputy General Secretary,
• a Treasurer and a Deputy Treasurer,
• members in charge of relations with the environment,
• of scientific activities and young researchers,
• of communications,
• of evaluating scientific articles submitted for publication in the journal,
• of promoting and publishing the journal.

6.6 Election. The executive board is elected by universal suffrage for a 3-year term at the elective general assembly. Voting rights are granted to members who have at least two memberships during the current term. Responsibilities (president, general secretary, treasurer and others) are established by election among the board members at the first meeting of the executive board.

6.7 ATSB has an honorary committee made up of the association's former presidents.

7.1 The financial year begins on 2 January and ends on 31 December each year.

7.2 The general assembly is responsible for adopting the financial report and the detailed statements of income and expenditure.

7.3 All expenditure made by cheque must be signed by two members authorized to act for this purpose: the President and the Treasurer.

7.4 In the event of dissolution, the executive board is responsible for disposing of the association's assets and liabilities. In particular, it must pay the debts contracted by the association and provide a mechanism for returning the funds.

Any amendment to the charter must be adopted at a general assembly and submitted as soon as possible to the Presidency of the Tunisian Government in accordance with the 2011 Decree-Law on the organization of associations.

9.1 In the event of suspension of activities for a defined period, the executive board is responsible for notifying the Presidency of the Tunisian Government in accordance with the 2011 Decree-Law on the organization of associations.

9.2 In the context of a dissolution, the executive board must carry out the following steps to ensure the association is properly closed:

• 9.2.1 Hold a general assembly at which a resolution to dissolve the association is adopted.
• 9.2.2 Dispose of the association's assets and liabilities, in particular by settling all invoices and debts contracted. If a financial surplus remains, it will be remitted, in accordance with the 2011 Decree-Law on the organization of associations, to the Tunisian state treasury.
• 9.2.3 Close the association's bank account.
• 9.2.4 Clear out the premises occupied by the association and return the keys to the building manager if applicable.
• 9.2.5 Deactivate the telephone line and the internet network socket if applicable.
• 9.2.6 Notify the Tunisian public finance offices of the association's dissolution if applicable.
• 9.2.7 Notify the Presidency of the Tunisian Government in writing, in accordance with the 2011 Decree-Law on the organization of associations, of the association's dissolution.

In the event of inactivity for three consecutive years, the association's executive board must proceed with its dissolution in accordance with Article 9 of this charter.