§ 1 Name
The association’s name is the Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, abbreviated as CONEM. It was founded on April 8, 2013, and registered in the Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities (Norwegian: Enhetsregisteret) on September 10, 2013, under organization number NO 911 825 236.
§ 2 Purpose
CONEM is a non-profit association established to promote research and disseminate information concerning nutritional and environmental medicine with the fundamental mission of enhancing public health. It operates as a non-religious and politically neutral entity.
§ 3 Legal Person
CONEM is a self-governing and independent legal entity with limited liability for debts and liabilities.
§ 4 Membership Eligibility and Admission
Membership in CONEM is open to researchers and clinicians (physicians, dentists, etc.) interested in nutritional and environmental medicine. Membership applications shall be reviewed by the president of the association’s Board of Directors or their designee.
§ 5 Termination or Suspension
The Board of Directors reserves the right to terminate or suspend a member’s membership for reasons such as misconduct, non-compliance with the association’s rules, or actions detrimental to CONEM’s reputation or objectives. A fair and transparent review process shall precede any decision regarding termination or suspension, with provisions for appeal to the Board of Directors.
§ 6 Voting Rights and Eligibility
All members are entitled to vote and are eligible to serve in posts for the association.
§ 7 Dues
Membership in CONEM is provided without charge.
§ 8 Compensation
Representatives and officeholders of CONEM shall not receive remuneration for their services.
§ 9 Communication and Activities
To accommodate the geographically widespread membership, meetings and elections shall be conducted via mail, telephone conferences, or similar forms of communication.
§ 10 Annual Meeting
An annual meeting shall be convened in April each year, serving as the highest decision-making body of CONEM. Proposals for consideration must be submitted in writing to the secretary no later than February 15.
§ 11 Elections and Voting
Elections and voting shall be in writing via mail or email, with all registered members entitled to vote.
§ 12 Annual Meeting Agenda
The annual meeting shall consider CONEM’s annual report, audited accounts, proposals received, approval of CONEM’s budget, and the election of Board members and auditors.
§ 13 Extraordinary Annual Meetings
Extraordinary annual meetings may be convened by the Board of Directors or upon the demand of at least one-third of voting members, with a minimum notice period of 14 days.
§ 14 Composition and Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of 3-9 members responsible for implementing decisions of the annual meeting, appointing committees, overseeing finances, and representing CONEM externally.
§ 15 Election of Board Members
Board members shall be elected by a simple majority vote at the annual meeting and assume office on May 1.
§ 16 Establishment of Groups/Branches
CONEM may establish branches or groups overseen by appointed individuals or elected boards, with decisions made by the president or the Board of Directors.
§ 17 Changes to By-laws
Changes to these by-laws require a two-thirds majority vote at an annual or extraordinary annual meeting, with proposals submitted in writing to the secretary at least 14 days before the meeting.
§ 18 Dissolution
The dissolution of CONEM may only be considered at an ordinary annual meeting and requires a two-thirds majority vote. The remaining assets shall be distributed to non-profit organizations with similar purposes as determined by a majority vote at an extraordinary annual meeting.