Constitution
1. Aims of the Centre
1.1 The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, hereinafter referred to as "The Centre" or "ACSMB", will promote interdisciplinary research of the highest standard on the structure and function of biological molecules, biomolecular assemblies and complexes using physico-chemical, molecular biological and computational approaches.
1.2 The Centre will exist to encourage collaborative research work in structural biology, helping to provide the necessary infrastructure, equipment and environment, and maximising external research income from government funding agencies, charities and industry.
1.3 The Centre will act to promote knowledge and training in this area of science, through participation in the undergraduate, postgraduate and research scientist training activities of the Faculty.
1.4 ACSMB will seek to establish links with other faculties, institutions, research centres and individuals with the aim of promoting multidisciplinary research and collaborative activity.
2. Membership of the Centre
2.1 Membership of the Centre shall be open to: (a) any research active member of the academic and related staff of the University with an ongoing research interest in structural biology, and (b) to other individuals, institutions or organisations at the invitation of the Executive Committee.
2.2 The Executive Committee of the Centre will consider and, as appropriate, approve applications or nominations for membership of the Centre in accordance with 2.1 above.
3. Administration of the Centre
3.1 The Centre will have a Director and a Deputy Director.
3.2 The Director and Deputy Director will each hold office for three years, and be eligible for immediate re-appointment. They will be appointed by the Council after nominations by the Executive Committee (see below).
3.3 There shall be an Executive Committee comprising the Director, Deputy Director, and four other members elected by the membership of the Centre. Elected members will hold office for a period of three years, thereafter being eligible for re-election. The Executive Committee will have the right to co-opt further members as appropriate. The Dean of Research will be an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee.
3.4 There shall be a general meeting open to all members of the Centre at least once a year, the meeting to be convened and chaired by the Director or Deputy Director.
3.5 The Director will represent the Centre on the Research Committee of the Faculty and on any other committee of the University as is appropriate.
MKM/CMJ
2 September 1999