In the name of GOD
Statute of the “West Asia and North Africa (WANA) Scientific Network"
Vision and Mission:
The Royan Institute, a subcategory of the Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), is committed to enhancing its international relations, particularly with Islamic and neighboring countries in the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region. This initiative aims not only to access the scientific markets of these regions but also to contribute significantly to the scientific and knowledge development of its students, researchers, and specialists. One key objective of establishing this network is to attract foreign scholars and foster their interest in visiting our country. Additionally, it seeks to share scientific experiences, showcase the scientific advancements of the Islamic Revolution, and build effective relationships with scientific centers in these countries.
Following the Supreme Leader's emphasis on enhancing the scientific progress of our beloved country and establishing Islamic Iran as a reference point in the scientific arena of the region and the world, the establishment of the WANA Scientific Network with a global perspective can solidify and advance its scientific standing, particularly in the fields of reproductive medicine, stem cells, and biotechnology. This network's activities can also include interdisciplinary areas related to these fields. The WANA Scientific Network aims to strengthen the scientific capabilities of the countries in this strategic region, which boasts a rich cultural, historical, and scientific heritage, and is regarded as the cradle of the Islamic world. By fostering an atmosphere of convergence and synergy in collaborative educational and research programs among WANA countries, this network seeks to enhance regional ties, particularly with neighboring nations bordering the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. The establishment of the WANA Scientific Network (WSN), initiated by the Royan Research Institute of the Islamic Republic of Iran, represents a pivotal step in forging vital scientific connections. By facilitating effective scientific partnerships and designing joint scientific programs between prominent research centers in WANA countries, this network can promote the region as a "powerful scientific pole," reflecting the historical and religious dignity of this strategic area. It is important to note that all countries in this region are Islamic. Unfortunately, in recent decades, superpower nations, especially Western countries, have significantly impeded their scientific progress through restrictions, sanctions, and the exploitation of ethnic, religious, and tribal differences, contributing to wars and chaos.
In his recent remarks to the country's scientific officials, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed concern about scientific stagnation and the need to remain competitive with other nations. He stated, "A new scientific uprising is necessary for the country." This would enable Iran to shine brightly once more in the global scientific arena, much like it has in the past two decades.
Chapter One: Generalities and Objectives
Article 1. The WANA Scientific Network, referred to as "the Network" in this statute, is established to expand and promote biological sciences, biotechnology, and reproductive medicine in the WANA region. Its goals include enhancing the quality of content experts, and improving and developing educational and research potentials in the mentioned fields.
Article 2. The network is a non-profit organization focused on science, research, and education. It acquires legal status upon registration, and the Head of its Board of Trustees serves as the legal representative of the network.
Article 3. The WANA Scientific Network Secretariat is based at the Educational Department of the Royan Institute, which is a subcategory of the Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR) in Tehran, Iran. Branches of the network can be established in any country within the WANA region, pending approval from the WANA Scientific Network.
Note: The Board of Trustees may, if necessary, change the address of the network's main center. This change must be announced in a widely circulated official newspaper, and the Board of Trustees of the WANA Scientific Network must be informed in writing.
Article 4. The network will be established for an unlimited period from the date of approval of this statute and must comply with the laws of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Chapter Two: Description of Duties, Activities, and Objectives
Article 5. To achieve the objectives outlined in Article (1) of this Statute, the network will implement the following measures:
1. Facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge in life sciences, biotechnology, and reproductive medicine, while establishing effective connections with other scientific centers, researchers, and scientists in the WANA region.
2. Enhance the scientific expertise of countries in this strategic region, which possesses a rich cultural and historical background and is regarded as the cradle of the Islamic world.
3. Assess the potential for scientific collaboration among the region's countries and expand the communication network.
4. Foster networking among knowledge-based companies in the WANA region to enhance communication, collaboration, and trade in scientific products.
5. Offer a comprehensive range of knowledge-based services, including training, expert consulting, supervision, and implementation of major projects in biological sciences, biotechnology, and reproductive medicine to the applicant countries by knowledge-based companies.
6. Conduct scientific research in collaboration with researchers and specialists in the WANA region engaged in biological sciences, biotechnology, and reproductive medicine.
7. Collaborate with executive, scientific, and research institutions to evaluate, review, and implement plans and programs related to education and research within the network's scientific activities, and provide necessary recommendations on these matters.
8. Encouraging scientists, researchers, and students to advance activities in science, research, and education.
9. Organizing workshops, courses, and scientific-educational gatherings at national, regional, and international levels.
10. Hosting the annual scientific congress for the countries of West Asia and North Africa (WANA).
11. Preparing, compiling, and publishing scientific books and journals.
12. Attracting support from international institutions to facilitate scientific, educational, and research activities, following the country’s current regulations.
Chapter Three: Types and Conditions of Membership
Article 6: Membership in the network is categorized as follows:
1. Regular Membership:
Founders of the network and graduates holding at least a master's degree in biological sciences, biotechnology, medical and veterinary sciences, medicinal plants, or related fields are eligible for regular membership.
Note 1: Individuals with a bachelor's degree in one of the specified fields may also qualify for regular membership with the approval of the Board of Trustees.
2. Affiliated Membership:
Individuals who hold at least an associate degree in any academic field and have worked for at least two years in one of the professions listed in Article 6, Paragraph 1, are eligible to become affiliate members.
Note 2: Affiliated members can upgrade to regular membership by fulfilling the necessary requirements and receiving approval from the Board of Trustees.
Note 3: Graduates who have engaged in interdisciplinary scientific collaboration with the fields mentioned in Article 6, Paragraph 1 are also eligible for membership in the network.
3. Student Membership:
All students in the fields specified in Article 6, Paragraph 1, at any level of study, are eligible to become student members.
Note 4: Students engaged in interdisciplinary scientific collaborations related to the fields mentioned in Article 6, Paragraph 1 are also welcome to join the network.
4. Honorary Membership:
Individuals, both Iranian and non-Iranian, who possess significant scientific credentials or who have made impactful contributions to furthering the objectives of the network may be granted honorary membership upon approval from the Board of Trustees.
5. Institutional (Legal) Members:
Any legal entity of organizations engaged in relevant scientific and research fields is eligible to become a member of the network.
Note 5: Legal members are considered affiliated members of the network.
Article 7: Each member is required to pay an annual membership fee, the amount of which shall be determined by the Secretariat.
Note 1: Payment of the membership fee does not confer any right or claim for the member over the assets of the network.
Note 2: Honorary members of the network are exempt from paying the membership fee.
Article 8: Membership shall be terminated in the following cases:
1. Written resignation.
2. Failure to pay the annual membership fee.
Note: The Board of Trustees must approve the termination of membership.
Chapter Four: Network Elements
Article 9: The components of the network are as follows:
A: Founding Board
B: Board of Trustees
C: Head of Network
D: Secretariat
Note 1: The Head of the Network is the same as the Head of the Board of Trustees.
Note 2: The Founding Board consists of individuals who contributed to drafting the statute and establishing the WANA Scientific Network.
Article 10: The Board of Trustees shall consist of 5 to 7 core members.
1. Membership on the Board of Trustees is honorary. In the initial election, members are chosen based on a proposal from the Founding Board, and their selection is subject to the approval of the Director of the Royan Research Institute. In subsequent elections, new members of the Board of Trustees are elected based on proposals from the current scientific board members, again requiring the approval of the Director of the Royan Research Institute.
Note 1: Members of the Board of Trustees must be faculty members from universities, research institutes, or scientific centers in Iran.
2. The Board of Trustees must hold a meeting within one month of their election. During this meeting, they will delineate the responsibilities of each member and elect the Head of the Network.
3. The Board of Trustees shall hold a meeting every two months.
Note 2: The Board of Trustees may also convene a meeting as needed.
4. A meeting of the Board of Trustees is considered valid if a majority of the members (specifically, two-thirds) are present, and decisions are made based on a majority of votes in favor.
5. All resolutions made by the Board of Trustees must be documented and, after being signed by the members, shall be preserved in the Board's official records.
6. The attendance of Board of Trustees members at meetings is crucial. If a member is absent without a valid excuse for three consecutive meetings or five alternate meetings, their absence may be considered a resignation at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
7. All binding documents and securities are valid if signed by the head of the Board of Trustees and the Treasurer, along with the official network stamp. In addition, official letters are valid if signed by either the head of the Board of Trustees or the Vice Chair of the Network.
Article 11: The Board of Trustees serves as the legal representative of the network, with the following duties and powers:
1. Managing the current affairs of the network following its statutes and the resolutions of the Board of Trustees.
2. Establishing the network's scientific groups, defining their responsibilities, and supervising their activities.
3. The Head of the Board of Trustees (Head of the Network) possesses all necessary powers to manage affairs while ensuring compliance with the limits of the subject of activity.
4. Preparing an annual report, as well as a financial balance sheet and a statement of income and expenses for the network, all to be completed by the designated deadline.
5. Filing lawsuits and responding to legal actions initiated by natural or legal persons in all relevant authorities and stages of proceedings. This includes the right to appoint a lawyer and to designate a third party.
6. Selecting and appointing representatives of the network to participate in domestic and international scientific forums.
7. Executing scientific plans and programs consistent with the network's responsibilities.
8. Securing donations and financial support.
9. Providing research and educational scholarships.
10. Making decisions regarding the network's membership in domestic and international scientific forums in accordance with the current laws and regulations of the country.
Chapter 5: Network Financial Resources
Article 14: The financial resources of the network include:
1. Membership fees from members.
2. Income generated from providing educational, research, and consulting services and selling scientific books and journals.
3. Gifts and donations received.
Note: All income and revenues of the network will be used to further its goals and activities.
Article 15: All network funds will be kept in a special account in the name of the network within the country's banks.
Article 16: None of the founders or members of the Board of Trustees are permitted to withdraw or allocate any profits.
Article 17: All financial and non-financial documents and records related to the network’s activities will be stored at the secretariat and will be made available to the supervisory authority or other competent authorities upon request.
Article 18: The secretariat operates under the supervision of the network's Head and consists of administrative and executive members. The secretariat is located at the Educational Deputy of the Royan Research Institute.
Article 19: The network is registered as a legal entity in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and its members are prohibited from engaging in political activities or affiliations with political groups and parties in the network's name.
This statute consists of 5 chapters, 20 articles, and 13 notes, which were approved by the network's Founding Board.