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Governance

Leadership & structure

MEsME is governed by an Executive Board representing the diverse geography of the MENA region. The Board is responsible for strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and the appointment of specialized committees.

A small committee meeting around a long table in a glass-walled room overlooking a coastal city at dusk

Structure

How the society is led

  1. Stage 01

    Founding Committee

    The founding members established MEsME on 17 May 2024 and adopted its bylaws unanimously.

  2. Stage 02

    Inaugural Executive Board

    Appointed by the Founding Committee for the first two years: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Communication Officer.

  3. Stage 03

    Elected Executive Board

    Thereafter, six members elected by the society’s members, adding a Past-President. The Board represents at least three countries from the region.

Executive roles

  • PresidentShady A. Amin
  • Past-PresidentFrom the first elected Board
  • Vice PresidentRaeid Abed
  • SecretaryAhmed A. Shibl
  • TreasurerAmin R. Mohamed
  • Communication OfficerRehab Z. Abdallah
Meet the Board

Board responsibilities

  • Overseeing the affairs of the Society
  • Developing and implementing strategic plans
  • Approving potential budgets
  • Appointing committees

Meetings

Meeting cadence

Executive BoardQuarterly
The Board meets quarterly to ensure the society’s mission is being met with transparency and efficiency, and may invite selected members.
General MeetingAnnually
Held in person or online. Members receive notice at least three months ahead and the agenda at least one month ahead. A quarter of the members can request an additional meeting.

Committees

Committees

The Executive Board may establish standing or ad-hoc committees to carry out specific tasks, such as:

  • Membership Committee
  • Program Committee
  • Awards Committee
  • Communications Committee
  • Early-Career Committee
  • Conference Committee

Bylaws

Bylaws at a glance

Drafted on 17 May 2024 at NYU Abu Dhabi and approved unanimously by the Founding Committee. A summary of the main articles follows.

Art. IIPurpose

To promote microbial ecology and biotechnology research across the MENA region through collaboration and knowledge sharing. MEsME is a non-profit organization.

Art. IIIGovernance

Established by a Founding Committee, which appoints the inaugural Executive Board for the first two years. Thereafter the six-member Board is elected by the members.

Art. IVMembership

Open to scientists, technicians, educators, faculty, students and professionals with a demonstrated interest in microbial sciences. Members apply to, and are admitted by, the Executive Board.

Art. VDues

Annual dues are set for each membership category by the Executive Board, which may waive or reduce fees in special cases.

Art. VIMeetings

An annual General Meeting, in person or online, and quarterly meetings of the Executive Board.

Art. VIICommittees

The Executive Board may establish standing or ad-hoc committees to carry out specific tasks.

Art. VIIIValidity

The bylaws are effective for four years from the date of registration and will be revisited no later than four years from that date.

Art. IXAmendments

Amendments are adopted by a majority of voting members present, and must be circulated to members at least four weeks in advance.