The purpose of the association is to promote the study of clinical pharmacogenetics among populations living in the Pacific Rim Countries. Additional objectives of the association are: a. to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas; b. to create training and educational opportunities; c. to build a network across the Pacific Rim for collaborative research; and d. to liaison with governmental, industrial and university offices and other interest groups for promoting and coordinating research. 1. Name The name of this association is Pacific Rim Association for Clinical Pharmacogenetics (PRACP). 2. Purpose The purpose of the association is to promote the study of clinical pharmacogenetics among populations living in the Pacific Rim Countries. Additional objectives of the association are: a. to facilitate and encourage the scientific meetings, at least once every two years, and workshops and the collaboration of scientists engaged in research in this field. b. to promote education and training in this field. 3. Membership eligibility Scientists engaged in pharmacogenetic research in populations of the Pacific Rim countries and those who express a scientific interest in the field will be eligible for membership. 4. Amendment Amendments to the constitution may be proposed at general meetings and by mail, provided that each proposal is endorsed by at least 5 members. The adoption of an amendment is affirmed at the council meeting. 1. Membership Membership application should be sponsored by one member and approved by the Membership Committee. Members will be enrolled upon receipt of an application for membership and payment of dues for 1 year (calendar year), subject to approval by the Membership Committee. Members are entitled to participate in general meetings of the association and to receive other benefits of membership as established by Council. Any member who fails to pay the membership fee for 3 years will lose membership status. 2. Executive Board Executive Board includes: President of the Association, Chair of the organizing committee for next meeting, Secretary. Terms of Executive Board are for two years. Executive Board members shall be Councilors of the Association at the time of their nomination for election and throughout their terms. Executive Board members are elected at the council meeting. 3. Council The power to establish and modify the policies of the Association is vested in the Council. Councilors are elected on a staggered biennial basis to serve 4 year terms. Councilors are elected at Council meeting. 4. Council Meeting, Quorum and Vote The President will endeavor to convene and chair the Council meeting at regular scientific meetings or at other times as appropriate. A majority of the Councilors including proxy shall constitute a quorum of Council. An affirmative vote by fifty percent of the Council present shall be required in order to carry a motion. Votes may be cast by mail. The President will also convene a general meeting of the Association at regular scientific meetings or at other times as appropriate. The membership will be informed of Council action at general meetings and by PRACP Newsletter. 5. Committees Committees are appointed by the President and are responsible to recommend action on policy or other matters. Chairpersons of committees are Regular Members of the Association at the time of their appointment. Membership committee: to recommend and carry out activities that will maintain current membership and recruit and approve new members. Scientific Committee: to initiate and plan scientific meetings of the Association. Bylaws Committee: to review the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association and make recommendations regarding any amendments necessary. To assist the Council in presenting proposed amendments to the Council according to the Bylaws. Academic and Public Affairs Committee: to plan and implement strategic initiatives and platforms for meaningful dialogue and reasoned discussion that will benefit the Association, public health policy and academic research in pharmacogenetics. Ethics and Science Policy Committee: to serve as a resource for the society for timely evaluation and discussion of emerging socio-ethical challenges in clinical pharmacogenetics, and the development of appropriate science policy. 6. Membership Categories Regular Member: Any professional who is involved in research, teaching and/or public service and whose activities are related to the study of clinical pharmacogenetics is eligible for membership. Student Member: Any graduate student, or postdoctoral fellow. Emeritus Member: Any member who has been a member in good standing for several years and has retired from full time employment will be an Emeritus Member (no annual fee). Corporate Member: Any corporation or institution may be invited by the President and Council of the Association to become a Corporate Member. 7. Effective date of Bylaws: December 13, 2002; Amended on November 3, 2003, April 17, 2005 and June 29, 2006.