Bylaws for the Life Sciences Council of the Advanced Photon Source

1. Introduction

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) is a state-of-the-art third-generation x-ray source funded by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) as a national resource to carry out forefront basic and applied research in a wide variety of scientific disciplines. Much of the research is conducted and facilitated by Partner Users, which have entered into agreements with the APS either to build and operate facilities at the APS or to otherwise significantly enhance the programs of the APS. The Partner Users have come together to form the Partner User Council (PUC) to discuss issues and to facilitate communication with APS management. The PUC has recognized a subgroup of the council that focuses on biological problems.
2. Name

This subgroup shall be called the Life Sciences Council (LSC).
3. Functions
  • a. The Council shall be advisory to the PUC for the Advanced Photon Source. Written recommendations are to be provided to the PUC as required.
  • b. The Council shall provide advice and recommendations to the PUC in the matters affecting current and future beamline operations, APS facility development, and the special APS-to-Partner User relationship.
  • c. The Council shall serve as an advocacy group for the facility, its partners, and the biological user community.
4. Organization
  • a. The LSC will consist of PUC members who represent groups with a biological focus as part of their mission.
  • b. The membership will meet at least quarterly to conduct the business of the LSC.
  • c. Chairperson. The members of the LSC shall elect from among themselves a Chairperson who shall be responsible for calling and chairing meetings and act as a point of contact for the LSC.
    • i. Roles and Responsibilities.
      • (1) The Chair of the LSC shall serve as representative to the APS Renewal Steering Committee, or may designate this responsibility to another LSC member. This role requires participation in steering committee meetings, and other activities requested by the APS.
      • (2) The Chair of the LSC shall provide updates of LSC meetings to the PUC.
      • (3) The Chair of the LSC shall maintain a list of all members of the LSC.
    • ii. Term of Office. The Chair will serve for a period of two years.
  • d. Meetings
    • i. The LSC shall meet at least quarterly at the APS, usually prior to the next scheduled PUC or PUC Executive Board meeting. Additional special meetings may be called by the Chairperson and may take place at the APS, another venue, via conference call, via teleconference, or via videoconference.
    • ii. A quorum shall be a minimum of 2/3 of the members. Officers shall be elected by a simple majority vote of the LSC members who are also PUC Executive Board members.
Amendments

Proposed revisions or amendments to the bylaws shall be submitted to the Chairperson for consideration at the next meeting of the Council. The bylaws shall be approved if two-thirds of all members favorably vote for the amendment or revision within two weeks of the meeting. Voting outside of a meeting may be done either via electronic mail, fax, or post.

17 September 2008