Updated and approved in July, 2025

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Bylaw I. Name.

 

The name of this organization shall be the Boston Area Neuroscience Group (shortened to NeuroBoston or BANG) Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience.

 

Bylaw II. Purpose.

 

The purpose of the NeuroBoston Chapter shall be to advance the understanding of the nervous system, including its role in determining behavior, by

a) bringing together scientists of various backgrounds (academia, industry, hobbyists) and facilitating the integration of research across fields and levels of inquiry,

b) promoting education and training in the neurosciences, and 

c) informing local institutions and the general public of findings and implications of current research in this area.

 

Bylaw III. Membership.

 

Section I. Membership.

Membership in the NeuroBoston Chapter shall be open to any person, residing in the greater Massachusetts area, who is interested in the nervous system and behavior. Membership in the Chapter must be renewed annually through event attendance. NeuroBoston Chapter membership does not require membership in the national Society for Neuroscience organization.

 

Section II. Dissolution of the Chapter.

The NeuroBoston Chapter shall be dissolved after a maximum period of two (2) years immediately following such time as it may have fewer than fifteen (15) Members. Upon dissolution of the Chapter any remaining assets shall be conveyed to a registered charitable organization chosen by the majority vote of the members.

 

Section III. Dues.

Dues are considered paid through purchase of any event ticket during the fiscal year. 

 

 

Bylaw IV. Officers.

 

Section I. Past President.

The Past President assists the President in performing their duties, whenever requested to do so and represents NeuroBoston with other associations or organizations as assigned by the President.

 

Section II. President.

The President or Co-Presidents shall be the chief executive(s) of the Chapter, shall preside at meetings of Council and Business Meetings of the Chapter and shall act as spokesperson(s) for the Chapter. The President(s) shall also serve as chairperson of the Elections Committee. The President(s) must be at least 5 years from receipt of their advanced degree with an intent to serve for 2 years and at least one must be a Member of the national Society for Neuroscience organization. 

 

Section III. Executive Coordinator.

The Executive Coordinator, to be appointed by the President(s) with approval of the Council, shall be responsible for everyday operations of the Chapter and all contacts through email or social media outlets. 

 

Section IV. Treasurer.

The Treasurer, to be appointed by the President(s) with approval of the Council, shall be responsible for all moneys and valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Chapter and for full and accurate accounting of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Chapter and any other duties assigned by the President(s). The Treasurer shall have signatory powers, shall disburse the funds of the Chapter as may be ordered by the President(s), shall render to the President(s) and Council at its regular meetings or when Council so requires, an account of the financial transactions and status of the Chapter. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for annual tax reporting to the IRS for the organization. The Treasurer will attend Council meetings and must be a Member at a Boston area institution who is at least 5 years from their advanced degree with an intent to serve for at least 3 years. 

 

Section V. Election and Succession of the President(s).

The President(s) shall be elected for a two-year term by an electronic vote and may be re-elected. Election shall be by simple plurality of votes received thirty days after the distribution of the voting mechanism to all Members. The Council will serve as the Elections Committee; candidates may also be proposed in writing by the members of the Chapter.

1. In the event that there are no presidential nominees, the full Council will serve in that interim capacity.

 

Bylaw V. Council.

 

Section I. Composition of the Council.

Chapter affairs shall be conducted through a Council consisting of up to six elected Councilors, the President(s), the Executive Coordinator, and the Treasurer. The Council can appoint up to six additional Councilors in order to assure appropriate representation across the Chapter. Ideally, at least one of the Councilors shall be a graduate trainee in a PhD program and at least one shall be a postdoctoral trainee. The councilors are expected to attend council meetings and actively serve on committees.

 

Section II. Nomination of Councilors.

Potential councilors can be nominated either via self-nomination or by an existing member.  A slate of Member candidates for Councilor positions shall be prepared by the Elections Committee. Upon nomination, candidates will be asked to provide information regarding place of employment, level and PI name (if applicable). 

 

Section III. Election of Councilors.

The Councilors shall be elected for a two-year term and may be re-elected. Councilors shall be elected by a simple plurality of votes on electronic ballots received. In the event of early termination or resignation, interim elections shall be held as the President(s) deems necessary.

 

Section IV. Requirements and Expectations.

Attending at least two-thirds of scheduled Council meetings annually, serving on at least one committee (Program, Communications, Elections, or other ad hoc committee), contributing to the planning and execution of at least one Chapter event per year, and supporting the mission and values of the Chapter in public and professional settings.

 

Failure to meet these expectations may result in review by the Council. Councilors unable to meet expectations due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., personal health, or professional obligations) are encouraged to communicate proactively with the President(s) to discuss accommodations.

 

Section VI. Early Termination of Council Membership.

A councilor may be removed from their position before the end of their term under the following conditions:

• A move or career change that makes the Council member ineligible or unable to continue to serve

• Failure to attend three consecutive Council meetings without prior notice or reasonable cause

• Consistent failure to respond to Chapter communications, including scheduling surveys, which significantly impedes Council operations

• Engagement in conduct that significantly harms the Chapter's reputation, function, or inclusivity

• In the event of a vacancy due to early termination or resignation, the Council shall appoint a temporary replacement to serve until an interim or standard election can be held. 

 

Bylaw VI. Meetings and Quorum.

 

Section I. Annual Business Meeting.

The Chapter shall hold an annual business meeting at a place and time designated by the Council. In practice, these may be combined with Annual Symposia to increase attendance and visibility to members. These meetings must be open to all and require the presence of a two-thirds majority of council membership, both elected and appointed.

 

Section II. Annual Symposia and Non-business meetings.

Meetings for the purpose of scientific presentations or discussions may be sponsored by the Chapter after they have been approved by the Program Committee. It is the duty of the Executive Coordinator and President(s) to notify all members of the Chapter in advance of non-business meetings and symposia.

 

Section III. Council Meetings.

Meetings for the purpose of planning Annual Business meetings and Annual Symposia and conducting the day-to-day business of the chapter shall require the presence of a majority of council members, both elected and appointed. In the absence of such quorum, voting may occur electronically over email to further chapter business. 

 

Section IV. Special Meetings.

A special business meeting may be called at any time by the President(s), or in case of their absence or disability, by the Council, or at the request of at least ten (10) members. A notice specifying the purpose of such a meeting shall be mailed to each member at least ten (10) days previously thereto.

 

Bylaw VII. Committees.

 

Section I. Standing Committees.

(1) Elections Committee.

The Elections Committee shall consist of the President(s) plus all councilors. The President(s) shall be chairperson(s) of the committee. This committee is responsible for nominating officers, accepting nominations from membership submissions, preparing the ballot and voting platform, and overseeing the elections. 

 

(2) The Program Committee.

The Program Committee, consisting of the Council and the President(s), shall be responsible for the preparation of the annual program and for any special scientific sessions. All proposals from the members for speakers or programs must be approved by the Program Committee before any action is taken. 

 

Section II. Special Committees and Subcommittees.

Committees as necessary for the proper operation of the Chapter shall be established by the President(s) and ratified by the Council.

 

Bylaw VIII. Amendments.

A proposed amendment to the Bylaws will be furnished to all members of the Chapter at least one month before the Council conducts an electronic ballot of members. The amendment will be adopted if it receives an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the members who cast a ballot.

 

Bylaw IX. Fiscal Year. 

The fiscal year of the Chapter shall be the academic year commencing on the 1st day of July and ending on the 30th day of the following June. 

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