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EFB Regional Branch Office Applications
The general tasks proposed to all approved applicants fall into two categories:
A: Standard Regional Tasks
B: Support and cooperation with selected EFB Sections and Task Groups (optional).
A: Standard Regional Tasks
- Representation to national government and regional authorities
- Coordination of regional and selected projects
- Coordination of or cooperation on selected EC (and other) applications
- Various contacts (ministries, universities, organisations, media)
- Arrange regional meetings, workshops, conferences etc
- Arrange meetings and workshops in the region for EFB Sections and Task Groups
- Regional membership campaigns
- Distribute info about EFB and EFB events in the region
- Ensure EFB presence at relevant events in region
- Establish data base on institutions and contacts in the region
- Disseminate info about EU (and other) funding opportunities in the region
- Facilitate EFB media contacts in the region
- Deliver regional information and data for EFB website, data base, EFB Central Office (ECO) and EFB Executive Board (ExBo).
B: Support and cooperation with selected EFB Sections and Task Groups
Regional Branch Offices which have an interest in doing so are encouraged to work with EFB Sections or Task Groups, and to consider playing an active role in these such as by hosting activities or providing the Secretariat.
Region
Region typically means country or region within a country, although in exceptional circumstances may include neighbouring countries or regions, to be specified in the agreement. Regional Branch Offices (RBOs) are named according to city or country of residence.
Income
Some of the above regional activities may generate income for the RBO subject to agreement with EFB Sections, Task Groups or EFB Central Office (ECO).
Sections and Task Groups
RBOs may support and collaborate with selected Sections or Task Groups according to individual agreements with their chairmen. To ensure proper coordination, new collaborations of this kind need to be approved by the President. The Executive Board may decide to discontinue selected collaborations if in the overall interest of EFB.
Duration
The agreement should be valid for minimum of 2 years and maximum 5 years, automatically renewable upon agreement of both parties.
RBO Fee
The annual EFB membership fee for a Regional Branch Office is €1,000
Important Comment
Please consider the above as guidelines describing EFB’s suggestions for specifications of a collaboration which builds on shared interests and mutual trust. The goal is to develop a mutually beneficial relationship.
Please note that RBOs report to the EFB Executive Board either directly at Executive Board meetings or through the Secretary General and Central Office. RBO delegates will be invited to each Executive Board meeting. All parties are expected to work in a collaborative, flexible and open-minded manner.
Application
To be considered for Regional Branch Office status, a formal application must be submitted to the Secretary General. This will then be discussed at the next Executive Board meeting, to which the candidate will be invited, and approval will be made by simple majority vote of the Executive Board. The application should include
- Formal letter of application
- Description of the applicant & overview of activities
- Description of how the RBO’s activities will support or be of value to the EFB
Guidelines for Regional Branch Offices
Activities
RBOs carry out activities serving interests in the various areas of research and technology and across the sectors of biotechnology covered by the whole EFB (e.g. innovation, education, public perceptions, international relations, biosafety), in close co-operation with Central Office and under the guidance of the Executive Board.
Organisation and operation
RBOs decide their own manner of organisation and operation as long as they adhere to the Mission and Objectives of EFB, are consistent with EFB Statutes and follow the guidance that occasionally may be issued by Executive Board. All activities carried out in the name of the EFB must be approved in advance and must conform to the general principles of EFB.
Status and agreement
Official status as an EFB RBO will be granted and publicized in all appropriate EFB materials, website and at appropriate EFB events. The specific rights and obligations of Branch Offices will be specified in a formal agreement between the Branch Office and EFB.
Funding and financial arrangements
From successful experience, funding for activities at the RBO can be from:
- conferences, symposia, workshops, etc
- contracts for European Commission-funded projects
- industry, as long as EFB interests and independence are not compromised
- national funding bodies, foundations, etc
- collaborations and partnerships with other non-profit and commercial organisations for specific activities as long as EFB interests and independence are not compromised
- journals and other publications
Activities must not deprive the EFB Central Fund, Central Office, Sections or Task Groups of any significant financial income unless agreed upon by the Executive Board. RBO managers are requested to attend the Executive Board meetings of the EFB. Travel expenses for these meetings should be covered by the RBO.
For further information, please contact:
Christian Suojanen
Secretary General
European Federation of Biotechnology AISBL
christian@efb-central.org
Tel: +34.93.268.7703
Fax:+34.93.268.4500