Bylaws of the Science Academy Institute
Chapter I: General Provisions
Article 1: Name and Headquarters
The Science Academy Institute, hereinafter referred to as the “Institute”, is an institution dedicated to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the promotion of collaboration among experts.
Article 2: Mission and Vision
Mission: To promote the exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas, contributing significantly to the advancement of science, technology, and education.
Vision: To be the largest scientific community for experts, driving humanity forward through technology and science, unraveling the mysteries of the universe, and empowering individuals through knowledge.
Article 3: Values
Integrity, honesty, respect, collaboration, innovation, excellence, and impact.
Chapter II: Membership
Article 4: Membership Types
a. Ordinary Members: Open to individuals actively engaged in scientific research with a genuine interest in advancing their respective fields. To become an ordinary member, applicants must submit a formal request for association, including their research background and achievements.
b. Extraordinary Members: Reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skills and contributions to the scientific community. These members are invited and approved by the academy’s board of directors based on their outstanding achievements and notable impact in their fields.
Article 5: Application Process for Ordinary Members
i. Application Submission: Prospective ordinary members must complete the official membership application form, providing comprehensive information about their research background, academic qualifications, publications, and any relevant experience.
ii. Recommendation Letters: Two recommendation letters from established scientists in the field are required to support the application.
iii. Evaluation Process: Applications will undergo a thorough evaluation by the academy’s review committee, considering factors such as research quality, impact, and alignment with the academy’s mission and values.
iv. Approval: Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance as ordinary members and will receive additional instructions regarding membership fees and benefits.
Article 6: Application Process for Extraordinary Members
i. Candidate Identification: Potential extraordinary members will be identified through their exceptional contributions and achievements in their respective scientific disciplines.
ii. Board Approval: The board of directors will review and approve the nomination of extraordinary members based on their demonstrated skills, reputation, and impact in their fields.
iii. Invitation: Approved candidates will receive a formal invitation to become extraordinary members of the academy, outlining the privileges and responsibilities associated with their membership.
Article 7: Code of Conduct for Members
a. All members are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards in their scientific pursuits, maintaining integrity, honesty, and respect for fellow members.
b. Members are encouraged to actively participate in academy activities, including conferences, workshops, and collaborative research projects.
c. Any form of discrimination, harassment, or misconduct will not be tolerated, and appropriate actions will be taken to address such behavior.
Article 8: Membership Benefits
a. Access to exclusive scientific resources, publications, and research opportunities.
b. Participation in conferences, symposia, and networking events organized by the academy.
c. Collaboration opportunities with fellow members and experts in various scientific fields.
d. Recognition and visibility within the scientific community through academy publications and events.
Article 9: Annual Membership Review
a. All members, both ordinary and extraordinary, will undergo an annual review to ensure their continued active engagement in scientific research and adherence to the academy’s code of conduct.
b. Failure to meet the academy’s expectations may result in a membership review and, if necessary, revocation.
Chapter III: Awards
Article 10: Eligibility and Nomination
Candidates cannot apply directly. All participants are nominated by advisors and approved by the presidency.
Article 11: Award Categories
a. Innovation Award: Recognizes groundbreaking ideas and pioneering solutions that drive scientific progress and innovation.
b. Research Award: Celebrates exceptional contributions to scientific research through rigorous methodology and impactful discoveries.
c. Young Innovator Award: Honors promising young scientists who demonstrate exceptional innovation in their field.
d. Communication Award: Acknowledges effective communication of complex scientific concepts to engage and inspire the public.
e. Honorary Award: Recognizes individuals for their significant contributions and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering collaboration.
f. Rising Student Award: Celebrates outstanding students who showcase exceptional promise and achievements in scientific research or innovation.
g. National Health Innovation Medal: Honors groundbreaking contributions that merge science, technology, and care to transform health systems. It is the highest annual recognition by the Science Academy for professionals driving impactful and sustainable healthcare innovation.
Article 12: Award Selection Criteria
a. Scientific Impact: Demonstrates substantial contribution to scientific progress and knowledge advancement.
b. Originality and Innovation: Showcases creative and novel approaches or solutions.
c. Significance of Findings: Ensures robustness, reliability, and validity of the scientific methods employed.
d. Contribution to the Field: Highlights the importance and relevance of the research outcomes or innovation.
e. Methodological Rigor: Expands knowledge, pushes boundaries, and influences future scientific endeavors.
Chapter IV: Science Academy Journal
Article 13: Purpose and Scope
The Science Academy Journal is a peer-reviewed scientific publication specializing in the dissemination of original research and academic knowledge across a wide range of disciplines. As a periodical publication, the journal aims to promote the exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas, contributing significantly to the advancement of science, technology, and education. Its mission is to serve the global academic community by publishing high-quality research on topics relevant to science, engineering, technology, health, education, and the humanities.
Article 14: Peer Review Process
All submitted manuscripts undergo a rigorous peer review process, where they are evaluated by independent experts in the field. This ensures the quality, originality, scientific rigor, and relevance of each article prior to publication. The double-blind review system guarantees impartiality and academic integrity throughout the evaluation process.
Article 15: Editorial Board
The Editorial Board is composed of renowned academics and professionals, each with recognized expertise and contributions in their respective disciplines. Board members hold advanced academic degrees and are actively involved in research, teaching, and scientific dissemination. Their role is fundamental in guiding editorial policy, selecting peer reviewers, and ensuring the scientific credibility of the journal.
Article 16: Publication Focus and Scope
The journal publishes: Systematic Reviews, Critical Essays and Theoretical Analyses, Case Studies, Literature Reviews, Short Communications and Notes, and Original Research Articles. All content must contribute significantly to scientific advancement and be written in clear academic English, Portuguese, or Spanish.
Article 17: Access and Publication Frequency
The journal follows an open access policy, ensuring that all content is freely available to researchers, institutions, and the general public. It is published quarterly (every three months), with special thematic issues occasionally released.
Article 18: Multilingualism and International Reach
The journal accepts articles in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, reflecting its international scope and commitment to global academic exchange. This multilingual approach ensures that researchers from diverse linguistic backgrounds can contribute to and benefit from our publication.
Chapter V: Meetings and Voting
Article 19: Convening Meetings
Meetings of the Science Academy Institute, whether ordinary or extraordinary, shall be convened with a minimum of 15 (fifteen) calendar days’ notice, via written communication (email, internal platform, or official notice) sent to all voting members. The notice shall include the date, time, location, and detailed agenda of the meeting. In cases of proven urgency, the notice period may be reduced to 7 (seven) days, provided that the agenda is limited to matters justifying the urgency.
Article 20: Quorum
For the establishment of ordinary and extraordinary meetings, a minimum quorum of 50% (fifty percent) plus one of the voting members shall be required at the first call. If a quorum is not met at the first call, the meeting may be established at the second call, 30 (thirty) minutes after the first, with any number of members present, unless otherwise provided for specific matters requiring a qualified quorum.
Article 21: Voting Process
Decisions at meetings shall be made by a simple majority of votes of the members present, except in cases where these Bylaws or applicable law require a qualified quorum. Voting may be conducted openly (by acclamation, show of hands, or roll call) or secretly, at the discretion of the meeting’s presiding officer or at the request of one-third of the members present. Each voting member shall have one vote. Proxy voting shall not be permitted, except in exceptional and duly justified situations, with prior approval from the board of directors.
Article 22: Meeting Minutes
Minutes shall be taken for all meetings held, whether ordinary or extraordinary, containing a record of the members present, the agenda, discussions, decisions made, and voting results. The minutes shall be drafted by a secretary appointed for the meeting and, after approval by the members present at the subsequent meeting or via electronic means, shall be filed and made available for consultation by all members. The approved minutes constitute the official record of the Science Academy Institute’s deliberations.
Chapter VI: Final Provisions
Article 23: Amendments to the Bylaws
These Bylaws may be amended or modified by a qualified majority decision of 2/3 (two-thirds) of the voting members at an Extraordinary General Assembly convened specifically for this purpose. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the board of directors at least 30 (thirty) days prior to the Assembly date and must be widely disseminated to all members for prior review and discussion. Amendments shall take effect immediately upon their approval, unless another date is expressly defined in the deliberation.
Article 24: Omitted Cases
Cases not provided for in these Bylaws shall be resolved by the Board of Directors of the Science Academy Institute, ad referendum of the General Assembly, always seeking the interpretation that best aligns with the Institute’s principles, mission, and vision, as well as applicable law.
Article 25: Entry into Force
These Bylaws shall enter into force on the date of their approval by the General Assembly, revoking all previous contrary provisions. Their application shall be immediate and binding on all members and bodies of the Science Academy Institute.
Chapter VII: Specific Provisions for Recognition of Excellence
Article 26: Recognition Criteria for Members and Awardees
The Science Academy Institute, in its continuous pursuit of excellence and recognition of exceptional talents, establishes rigorous criteria for the granting of Extraordinary Memberships and Awards. Such criteria are formulated to identify and honor individuals who demonstrate extraordinary abilities and significant contributions in their respective scientific fields, implicitly aligning with international standards of merit recognition. To this end, the following aspects will be considered:
a. National or International Acclaim: Evidence of sustained national or international acclaim and critical recognition in the individual’s field of endeavor. This may include, but is not limited to, prestigious awards, citations in relevant publications, invitations to speak at high-level conferences, or participation in editorial boards of renowned journals.
b. Original Contributions of Major Significance: Demonstration of original scientific, scholarly, or artistic contributions of major significance to the field. This is manifested through innovative research, significant discoveries, development of new theories or methodologies, or creation of works that profoundly impact the discipline.
c. Authorship of Scholarly Articles: Publication of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major publications, with evidence of impact and influence in the scientific community. The quality and reach of publications will be assessed, as well as the number of citations and the impact factor of the journals.
d. Leadership in Prominent Organizations: Holding a leading or critical role in prominent organizations with a distinguished reputation. This includes positions on boards, committees, or leadership of large-scale research projects that demonstrate the individual’s ability to influence and direct the field.
e. High Salary or Other Remuneration for Services: Evidence of a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services, in comparison to other professionals in the field. This criterion reflects the market value and demand for the individual’s skills and knowledge.
f. Membership in Professional Associations: Membership in professional associations that require outstanding achievements of their members. Affiliation with such organizations indicates peer recognition of the individual’s excellence.
g. Recognized Achievements: Recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry or field, as attested by peers, governmental entities, professional or business organizations. This may include patents, technological innovations, or the practical application of research that has generated substantial impact.
h. Participation as a Judge: Participation as a judge of the work of others, individually or on a panel. This demonstrates the individual’s expertise and ability to critically evaluate the work of their peers.
i. Originality and Innovation: The ability to conceive and implement original and innovative ideas that drive progress in their field. This criterion is fundamental for identifying leaders and pioneers.
j. Impact and Relevance: The demonstration that the individual’s contributions have had a significant and relevant impact on the field, influencing research, practice, or policy.
Article 27: Evaluation Process for Recognition
The evaluation process for Extraordinary Members and Awards will be conducted by an independent evaluation committee, composed of renowned experts in the field, ensuring impartiality and rigor in the analysis of applications. The committee will consider all evidence presented, seeking a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s contributions and impact. The final decision will be based on adherence to the established criteria and the unequivocal demonstration of excellence and leadership in the scientific field.