INPEC

INPEC Bylaws Updated 21-10-2026

 

1. INPEC Establishment, Status and Interest  

The International Network of Protein Engineering Centres (INPEC) is an unofficial group of international researchers concerned with protein engineering research. It was established on May 24th, 1991. INPEC is a non-profit, scientifically based organisation with no legal status.

 

2. The Aims of INPEC

The aims of INPEC are the promotion of basic and applied research in the field of protein design via:

-Mutual cooperation and exchange of information to avoid duplication of research

-Organisation of international protein engineering meetings

-Exchange of scientists

 

3. INPEC Membership
Each country will be represented by up to three scientists (herein called “nodes”), who are typically group leaders in academia or industry. The current membership is listed in the “Nodes - Members” page of the INPEC website. It is the responsibility of the nodes to ensure that their country's activities in protein engineering are represented in INPEC, and to ensure continuity of representation of their country in INPEC.

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3a. Selection of Nodes

The selection of individual nodes is a national issue and will differ from country to country, but should reflect the diversity of modern scientists. The current or outgoing nodes of a country will select new nodes to fill vacant or soon-to-be-vacant positions and present the proposed nodes, including their curriculum vitae and research interests to the other nodes. In selecting new nodes, current INPEC nodes pledges to avoid favouritism toward their own working group or institution, and to increase diversity.

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3b. Term of Membership and Renewal

The term of membership will be for 8 years, renewable indefinitely. Renewing nodes will be required to submit a “Renewal Package”, by emailing the membership with a curriculum vitae and the answer to the following 4 questions:

i. Do you wish to remain an INPEC node?

ii. Do you perform or direct research related to protein engineering?

iii. Which was the last INPEC Meeting you attended or arranged for a scientist to attend in your place? 

iv. When is the next INPEC Meeting you will attend or arrange for a scientist to attend in your place? 

v. Is your information on the INPEC website up to date and complete? (If not, please send current information.)

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3c. Termination of Membership

A node may resign from INPEC at any time. If a node does not submit a Renewal Package, their membership will terminate. All reasonable effort will be made to obtain a Renewal Package from nodes. 

 

4. Participating Countries
Currently, the participating nodes represent the following nations: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, U.K. and Uruguay. Memberships for new countries in INPEC will be considered at the Business Meeting (see below), or ad hoc via email or video conferencing between Meetings. Any current node can propose a new node from a non-represented country to join INPEC. A vote of current nodes will decide whether to invite the proposed node. A quorum of 50% of current nodes must vote, and a majority (50% plus one) of votes cast must be “yes” votes, for the invitation to be extended.

 

5. Operational Committee
The continuity and administration of INPEC is the responsibility of all nodes, which together form the Operational Committee.

 

6. The Meeting

6a. Meeting of Participating Nodes
The Meeting should occur approximately every two years. It will be of a closed nature, but the organisation and the style of the Meeting is the responsibility of the host node for the particular year.

Local scientists will usually, but not necessarily be invited to participate and present in the meeting. The INPEC Meeting can be held in conjunction with a larger meeting on a related subject.  

 

6b. Participation of Nodes at the Meeting

Each node should endeavour to attend each Meeting and it is expected that nodes attend at least every second or third Meeting. Nodes should endeavour to participate in the entire length of the Meeting. If a node cannot attend a meeting, they should attempt to arrange for another scientist from their country to attend the Meeting in their place. In selecting this other scientist, the node nodes pledges to avoid favoritism and to increase diversity. The node does not forfeit membership by sending another scientist in their place, and this scientist does not automatically become a node by attending the Meeting. They may be nominated by their country’s nodes to become a node in future. 

 

6c. Meeting financing

The Meeting organizer should make a reasonable effort to raise funds and sponsoring for the meeting to offset the cost of participation of INPEC nodes. Nodes can decline choose to decline offered Meeting support.

 

7. Business Meeting
The Business Meeting should take place during the Meeting to discuss INPEC matters and plans. The selection of future hosts for the annual meeting should take place at the annual business meeting at least 2 years ahead. The Business Meeting should be attended by all nodes present at the meeting. Decisions made at the Business Meeting are decided by majority vote.

 

8. Changes to INPEC Bylaws

Any current node can propose changes to the INPEC Bylaws. A vote of current nodes will decide whether to adopt the proposed changes. A quorum of 50% of current nodes must vote, and a majority (50% plus one) of votes cast must be “yes” votes, for the proposed changes to be adopted.