FAQ

Based on the statutes and Admission Guidelines. Some operational details (membership fees, online sign-up) will be confirmed by the Executive Board and the General Assembly.

Who can become a member?

Any individual who supports the aims of the association (Statutes §4(1)). Researchers, practitioners, and students across all regions and disciplines are welcome — international participation is intended by design.

How do I join?

Membership applications are made in writing (including electronically) to the Executive Board, which decides on admission (§4(3)). Once the website is running, there will be a short online sign-up form.

What types of membership are there?

Membership is for individuals (institutional or company memberships are not offered). The association distinguishes members with and without voting rights. Unless the Executive Board decides otherwise at admission, new members are voting members by default.

• Voting members — paying members with full rights. They may:

  • take part in the General Assembly,
  • vote,
  • stand for election to the Executive Board and other elected bodies,
  • receive all member benefits.

• Reduced-fee members (students and early-career researchers) — a reduced rate applies (see fees), kept as voting members with the same rights.

• Non-voting members — admitted by the Executive Board where participation is mainly for scientific exchange, advisory involvement, or support, without taking part in formal governance. They do not vote or stand for office. The board decides whether they pay a fee.

In short: most members are voting members; a reduced rate may be added later; and non-voting is a special category for advisory/supporting roles.

I attended the founding meeting and signed the documents. Do I need to sign up again?

No. You are already a founding member — you do not re-apply. Once the membership system is live, you will simply complete a short online profile (and pay dues once a fee schedule is set), so the board has a clean member register. This is a formality for record-keeping, not a second admission.

Are there membership fees?

Fees are set by the General Assembly in a fee schedule (§4a). The proposed schedule — pending approval by the General Assembly — is:

• Membership runs from the day you join.
• Paying 2 or 5 years upfront is discounted (the 5-year rate is four years’ fee).
• Members may receive a discount on PED/TGF registration — none at PED27, and a discount of up to ~5% from TGF28 onward, agreed per conference.

The board may also reduce or waive fees on justified request (§4a). Final amounts will be confirmed by the General Assembly.

What is expected of me as a member?

Support the association’s aims, follow the Code of Conduct, and pay dues once set. Holding an office is not required. Members are warmly encouraged to help the community grow — invite colleagues and spread the word.

Can I promote IACD and recruit members on its behalf?

Yes — every member is an ambassador. You may promote IACD, share announcements, and invite colleagues to join. One distinction: official representation (binding statements or commitments in the association’s name) is legally reserved to the Executive Board (two board members jointly, §6(3)). For official text or commitments, coordinate with the board; informal advocacy is open to everyone.

How is the Steering Committee chosen?

• The General Assembly (all voting members) elects or confirms the Steering Committee — not the board alone (§7(5), §11(2)).
• Nominations may come from members or from the board; the General Assembly then votes (simple majority).
• It may include both association members and external experts; board members may also serve (§11(2)).
• Size: 5–30 members. Term: 2 years, reappointment allowed (§11(3), Admission Guidelines).
• Composition reflects geographic, disciplinary, and gender diversity; members should generally have taken part in PED or TGF (§11(2)).

What does the Steering Committee do?

It provides strategic and scientific guidance for the PED and TGF conferences — selection of organizing teams, scientific direction, and the composition of scientific committees (§11(4)). The Executive Board decides on conference hosting rights based on its recommendations.

What bodies does IACD have?

• General Assembly — all members; highest decision-making body.
• Executive Board — Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer; runs day-to-day business.
• Steering Committee — scientific advisory body for PED and TGF.

Authoritative rules are in the Statutes (German version prevails, §13) and the Admission Guidelines. This FAQ is for information only. Contact and website details will follow.