Regulations and General Criteria for Membership (Associate, Permanent, and Honorary) in the Academy of Medical Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The resolution titled "Regulations and General Criteria for Membership (Associate, Permanent, and Honorary) in the Academy of Medical Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran," which was approved in the 847th session of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution on November 2, 2021, based on the resolution of the 348th session of the Standing Committee on October 19, 2021, is hereby promulgated for implementation.
Article 1 - Definition:
Membership in the Academy of Medical Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran is an honorary status granted to qualified individuals in recognition of their scientific, executive, cultural, and ethical contributions to the healthcare system. Outstanding achievements in service delivery, healthcare system improvement, scientific production, advancement of medical education, and continuous participation in national and international activities related to the healthcare system are key criteria for obtaining membership in the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Article 2 - Membership Requirements:
The conditions for membership in the Academy of Medical Sciences are as follows:
A. Permanent and associate members must be Iranian nationals, demonstrate practical commitment to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the principle of Velayate Faqih, and adherence to the laws and regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
B. Possession of outstanding scientific and practical achievements in fields related to healthcare and medical sciences.
C. Adherence to Islamic ethics, professional conduct, and a distinguished reputation for documented, meritorious, and continuous contributions in various dimensions of the healthcare system.
D. Possession of exceptional individual and social skills relevant to the Academy's objectives and responsibilities, including consultation, theorization, and foresight in all areas of health; striving for scientific and cultural independence; advancing sciences and technologies in healthcare; strengthening the spirit of research to achieve the most effective, scientific, and latest findings and innovations in the field of health sciences; contributing to society's attainment of the highest level of comprehensive health; participating in the monitoring, surveillance, and refinement of all dimensions of physical, mental, social, and spiritual health; safeguarding the cultural heritage and Islamic Iranian civilization in the realm of health sciences; promoting and expanding knowledge in philosophy and wisdom, ethics, and Islamic jurisprudence in the field of health and medicine.
E. A deep belief in the philosophy and high objectives of the Academy, along with a willingness and readiness for active and continuous participation in fulfilling its statutory goals.
Article 3 - Types of Membership
The Academy has three types of membership: associate, permanent, and honorary.
3.1 - Associate Membership:
Eligible individuals may be nominated for associate membership in the Academy through the following methods:
A. By the President of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
B. By scientific groups through their respective heads.
C. By university presidents, directors of research institutes, medical research centers, and other scientific institutions, upon approval by three permanent members of the Academy.
Note 1: In the first stage, all nominated candidates must be approved by the Academy's Qualification Committee.
Note 2: The nominations under section (C) will first be reviewed by the relevant scientific group, and upon approval, they will proceed to the next stages.
Note 3: The proposed members’ files will be reviewed by the Scientific Affairs Department and presented at a Scientific Council meeting for a vote. If approved, they will be submitted to the General Assembly for final voting. Upon approval by the General Assembly, the selected member will be appointed as an associate member for four years by decree of the Academy President.
Note 4: Renewal of associate membership for another four years is permitted an unlimited number of times, provided the member actively participates in group meetings and is approved by the group head and the Scientific Affairs Department.
Note 5: If an individual's membership is not approved by the Scientific Council or General Assembly, their case cannot be reconsidered for associate membership for one year.
3.2 - Permanent Membership:
Permanent members are admitted based on the Academy's statute and available capacity through the following methods:
3.2.1. Selection by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, with decree issued by the President of the Council.
3.2.2. Selection by the Academy's General Assembly through the following process:
A. Nomination from among associate members with at least four years of experience, subject to the approval of the relevant group head, the Scientific Affairs Department, and the Academy President.
B. After completing the membership form and obtaining approval from the Qualification Committee, the candidate's file will be reviewed and voted on by the Scientific Council. If approved, it will be submitted to the General Assembly for a final vote. Upon approval by the General Assembly, the selected individual will be appointed as a permanent member by decree of the Academy President.
Note: If an individual's membership is not approved by the Scientific Council or General Assembly, their case cannot be reconsidered for permanent membership for one year.
3.3 - Honorary Membership:
Distinguished Iranian and non-Iranian individuals with an interest in the country's health sector, who are nominated by the President of the Academy or at least three permanent members of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran, will be considered for honorary membership. Their nomination must be approved by the Qualification Committee, followed by the completion of the membership form and submission of relevant academic documents for verification by the Scientific Affairs Department. The nominee’s case will then be presented and voted upon in a session of the Scientific Council. If approved, it will be forwarded to the General Assembly for final voting. Upon approval by the General Assembly, the selected individual will be granted honorary membership by decree of the President of the Academy.
Note: Honorary members will retain their status as long as they maintain their affiliation with the Academy of Medical Sciences, as determined by the Academy President.
Article 4 - Scientific groups, based on necessity and requirements aligned with their activities, may propose individuals as invited members through the head of the respective scientific group to the Scientific Affairs Department. Upon approval by the Scientific Affairs Department, the selected individual will be appointed by decree of the Academy President and will serve in the relevant scientific group for a period of two years. Renewal of invited membership is permitted if the member actively participates.
Article 5 - This resolution, consisting of five articles and seven notes, was approved in the 847th session of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution on November 2, 2021. Its provisions are effective from the date of approval.
