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WFN council of delegates
Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 109 (1992) 228-233 © 1992 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. All rights reserved 0022-510X/92/$05.00
228
W o r l d F e d e r a t i o n of Neurology I n f o r m a t i o n
WFN Council of Delegates M i n u t e s of the M e e t i n g of the Council of D e l e g a t e s (cP Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 14 September 1991)
(1) Attendance
Present: Lord Walton (Chair), Prof. S. Muchnik (Argentina and Uruguay-proxy), Dr. F. Gerstenbrand (Austria, Czechoslovakia and USSR-proxy), Lord Walton (Dominican Republic, Greece, Pakistan and South Africa-proxy), Dr. J. King (Australia), Dr. A. Lowenthai (Belgium-proxy), Dr. V. Hachinski (Boliviaproxy), Prof. A. Spina-Franca (Brazil), Dr. R. Riopelle (Canada), Dr. Olesen (Denmark and Finland-proxy), Dr. Aguirre (Ecuador), Dr. A. Rascol (France), Dr. K. Poeck (Germany-proxy), Dr. F. Clifford Rose (Great Britain-proxy), Dr. V. Wong (Hong Kong-proxy), Dr. E. Csanda (Hungary, Romania-proxy), Prof. G. Gudmundsson (Iceland), Dr. S. Sen (India), Dr. B. Chandra (Indonesia), Dr. H. Staunton (Ireland), Dr. L. Amaducci (Italy-proxy), Dr. H. Narabayashi (Japan-proxy), Dr. F. Rubio-Donnadieu (Mexico), Dr. T.J. Tans (Netherlands), Dr. R. Nyberg-Hansen (Norway), Dr. J. Altamirano (Peru), Dr. I. Hausmanova-Petrusewicz (Poland), Dr. V. Wojna (Puerto Rico), Dr. E. Tolosa (Spain), Dr. B. Johansson (Sweden), Dr. H.R. Isler (Switzerland), Prof. Rong-Chi Chen (Taiwan), Dr. M. Ben Hamida (Tunisia), Dr. R. Johnson (U.S.A.), Prof. P.L. Ponce-Ducharne, Prof. B. Barac (Yugoslavia) (2) Minutes of the last Meeting Minutes of the last Meeting held at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, India, on Sunday 22 October 1989, were accepted as published.
(3) Matters arising from the Minutes There were no matters arising from the Minutes not otherwise covered on the agenda.
(4) Obituaries
(a) Dr. Sigvald Refsum Dr. Nyberg-Hansen paid tribute to the life and work of Dr. Sigvald Refsum who passed away on 8 July 1991. Further comments were added by Lord Walton and Dr. M. Cohen. These tributes will be published in World Neurology.
(b) Dr. Russell DeJong Dr. M. Cohen and Lord Walton spoke about the many contributions of Dr. DeJong, the founding editor of Neurology. (c) Dr. Treiles Tribute was paid by Dr. J. Altamirano to this past Vice-president of the WFN. (d) Dr. Reginald Kelly A tribute was paid to Dr. Reginald Kelly whose work in multiple sclerosis (IFMSS) and the Research Committee had been notable. (e) Dr. Leon Roizin Recognition was given by Dr. Wilson to Dr. Leon Roizin, who was the founder of the Research Group on Neurotoxicology and Occupational Neurology. ($) President's Report (Lord Walton) The following points were included in the President's Report; (a) Thanks to Dr. F. Clifford Rose (Secretary-Treasurer General), Dr. K. Poeck (First Vice President and Chairman of the Research Committee), Dr. A. Lowenthal (Joint Secretary-Treasurer General and Secretary of the Research Committee), and Dr. J.F. Toole (Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the Neuro-
logical Sciences). (b) He noted that the finances of the Federation have improved greatly due to prompt payment of clues by member societies, new Research Groups and corporate members. (c) Reports were received from the five Vice-Presidents: Dr. A.K. Asbury Dr. M. Ben Hamida Dr. J.W. Lance Dr. A. Portera-Sanchez Dr. N.H. Wadia (d) Thanks were expressed to Chairmen of the various WFN committees.
229 (e) Thanks were offered to Warner-Lambert for continued support for World Neurology. Members are urged to write comments to Dr. F. Clifford Rose, giving their views on World Neurology. (f) Sponsorship of congresses and meetings The statutes must be followed when Research Groups hold sponsored meetings. If the Research Group uses a commercial sponsor for its meeting, then a 10% overhead is to be paid to the WFN. It was agreed that for international meetings, the WFN logo and affiliation can be used, but 10% of the profits or $1000 (whichever is greater) must be paid to the WFN. (g) The President also reported on meetings he has attended.
(6) Reports from Research Committee (Dr. K. Poecl0
(a) Proposals for new Research Groups Formation and disbandment Proposal: That new Research Groups be given a 2 year interim period before final status of the Group is established. At the end of 2 years, request for written evidence of activity will be requested. If a written report is not received upon request, a warning will be given to the group. If, at the end of 4 years, written proof of activity is still not evident, a proposal for disbandment of the Research group will be brought before the Research Committee for approval. Action: Approved. .
(b) New applications for Research Groups The Research Committee felt the following 5 applicants fulfilled all requirements for multidisciplinary and international representation, and recommended that they be approved. (i) Prevention of Cerebral Palsy and Related Development Disabilities (Perinatal Brain Damage and Cerebral Palsy) (ii) Pain (iii) Space and Underwater Medicine (iv) Pathophysiology of Consciousness and its Disturbances (v) International Society of Neuromodulation Action: Approved.
(c) Update of Listings The Research Committee needs an updated list of Chairmen and Secretaries of the various Research Groups.
(7) Secretary.Treasurer General's Report (Dr. F. Clifford Rose)
(8) Report of Steering Committee (Dr. V. Hachinski)
(a) Applications for membership (i)
Flemish Society: Proposal: The Steering Committee encourages the Flemish Society to participate in the WFN, but only one delegate from Belgium may have a vote. Therefore, the Flemish Society and the Belgium Neurological Society should decide between themselves who is to act as the Belgium delegate. Action: Approved. (ii) Estonia: The Steering Committee recognises that Estonia is an independent country within the WFN statutes. A vote of the Council of Delegates was unanimous that Estonia is an independent country. Action: Approved. (iii) South Korea Action: Approved.
(b) Continental congresses It was noted that the Pan-American Society, the Pan-European Society, the Pan-African Society and the Asian and Oceanic Society all have their meetings within a 4-month period. Proposal: That these meetings be changed so that there is one such major meeting per year. Action: Approved.
(c) Publications: Proposal: It was agreed in New Delhi that the Publications Committee be changed from an Ad Hoc Committee to a Standing Committee. The Journal of the Neurological Sciences and World Neurology are the only publications of the WFN, but Research Groups can be involved in sponsoring their own journals with the agreement of the Publications Committee. Action: Approved.
(d) Database Proposal: That updating the database of WFN members be changed from every 2 years to annually. It was also recommended that Research Group member lists and National Society member lists be merged. Finally, it was proposed that a standard computer system and database be used so that updates can be done by exchanging diskettes. Action: Approved.
(9) Constitution and Bye-laws (by correspondence) (a) The Constitution and By-laws Committee agreed to approve the Publications Committee as a Standing Committee.
230
~b) The Committee reported that it wished to suggest no change in the current statutes regarding the term of office of the President. This is a 4-year term, with the possibility of a second 4-year term. It was agreed that the President and the SecretaryTreasurer General no longer need come from the same country. It was proposed that to prevent difficulties in the change-over, the President-elect begins his position at the end of the calendar year, 3 months after the election and the SecretaryTreasure General-elect begins his term at the end of the second calendar year, 15 months after the election. He will work with the current SecretawTreasurer General during that time. Action: Approved. These proposals will be put forward at the World Congress of Neurology 1993 for formal approval by the membership.
(10) Report of the Finance Committee (Dr. R.B. Daroff)
(a) Increasing capital assets It was reported by the Finance Committee that in order to supply travel grants and registration fee aid to young neurologists through interest on capital funds, the WFN's capital assets must be increased. This is to be done in the following 2 areas: (i) Dues: There are currently 23 000 members of WFN. Annual dues from all members equals £69000. Currently £19000 are unpaid. Proposal: That an increased effort be made to collect unpaid dues and that audited accounts should be sent from those countries where exchange regulations prevent remission. Action: Approved. (ii) Sharing profits: It was reported that profits from World congresses and symposia are shared with WFN but regional congresses and symposia are not. Proposal: That for WFN-sponsored regional congresses and symposia, a 10% share of the profit or $1000 (whichever is greater) be paid to WFN. For those regional congresses who receive an interest-free loan from WFN, 50% of the profits should be paid to WFN. Finally, it was proposed that Research Groups increase their membership and be reminded to transfer 10% of their annual income to the WFN. Action: Approved.
(b) Permanent Secretariat It was proposed that the WFN establish a permanent secretariat in the office of the Secretary-
Treasurer General, total expenses not to exceed £21000 per annum. Action: Approved.
(11) Report of Publications Committee (Dr. R.B. Daroff)
(a) Publications It was reported that the WFN has 2 official publications, namely the Journal of the Neurological Sciences, Editor-in-Chief Dr. J.F. Toole, and World Neurology, Editor Dr. F. Clifford Rose. There are also publicationsthat are produced by various Research Groups: (i) Current Opinion in Neurology and Neurosurgery (Education) (ii) Tropical and Geographical Neurology (sponsored by Tropical Neurology and Neuroepidemiology) - first issue will be out later this month (September) (iii) Journal of History of Neurosciences (History of Neurology) Research Groups wishing to publish their own journals with sponsorship by the WFN should contact Dr. R.B. Daroff who will negotiate financial agreements. Action: Approved.
(12) Report of Nominations Committee (Dr. Hokkanen) The Nominations Committee reported that there was very little business to conduct. They have conducted their activities by correspondence. Proposal: That the Nominations Committee report be circulated to delegates not less than 6 months before the World Congress so that additional nominations might be made. It was suggested that such a nomination should require the approval of 10 delegates. Action: Approved that the list of nominees approved by the Nominations Committee be circulated to members not less than 6 months before the World Congress of Neurology, and that approval of only 5 delegates should be required for additional nominations. (13) Journal of the NeurologicalSciences (Dr. J.F. Toole)
(a) Change of format The change in format of the Journal has been well-received and the Journal has been well supported by members with manuscripts.
(b) Circulation It was proposed that an effort to increase circulation is needed.
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(c) Contributions Members were reminded that they can contribute to the Journal opinions and reviews, historical vignettes, and editorials as well as full manuscripts.
(d) Publicity Members were urged to publicise the Journal to friends and colleagues.
(e) Obituary Proposal: That the tribute paid to Dr. Sigvald Refsum by Dr. Nyberg-Hansen be published in the Journal. Action: Approved.
(14) WorldNeurology (Dr. F. Clifford Rose)
(a) Research Groups Members were urged to send names of Research Group members who would benefit from receiving World Neurology. Individual subscriptions would cost £5 per annum but it was felt that some Research Groups and corporate members might wish to purchase subscriptions in bulk for all their non-neurological members.
(b) Update on Neurological Centres Delegates were urged to send in reports on what is happening in various centres of their countries.
(c) Names and addresses World Neurology will be publishing the names and addresses of the delegates and of officers of Research Groups and members of committees. Changes should be sent as soon as possible to the Editor.
(d) WHO It was proposed that the WFN draft a letter to the World Health Organisation requesting that it include dementia and cerebrovascular disease in the neurological chapter of ICDll. It was also proposed that a delegate from the WFN be on the ICDll Committee. (15) Site of 1997 Congress The following delegates made presentations regarding hosting the 1997 World Congress of Neurology: (a) Buenos Aires, Argentina - Prof. S. Muchnik (b) Sydney, Australia - Dr. J. King (c) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Prof. A. Spina-Franca (d) Helsinki, Finland - Dr. J. Olesen (e) Budapest, Hungary - Dr. E. Csanda
(f) Lima, Peru - Dr. E. Beteta (g) London, England - Dr. F. Clifford Rose (h) Florence, Italy - Dr. L. Amaducci Policies and guidelines for hosting the World Congress of Neurology will be sent to all applicants. Actions: Approved that the 8 applicants would receive the full details. It was reported that when applying for hosting the World Congress, prices, facilities, background to the production of a scientific programme, political climate, freedom o f entry into the country, and financial exchange rules should all be considered.
(16) Report of European delegates
(a) Constitution and by-laws Delegates agreed to accept the proposed constitution and by-laws for final agreement in Vienna in December.
(b) Future Congresses It was agreed to recommend that the next PanEuropean Congress will be held in 1994, the Pan-American Congress in 1995, the Asian and Oceanian Congress in 1996, and the World Congress in 1997. This schedule will allow the delegates to attend an international meeting each year and will prevent rival congresses from meeting within a short period. (17) Choice of major themes for Vancouver Congress It was reported that the main themes at past World Congresses of Neurology were: 1981: Stroke, Cerebral Localisation, Neuropeptides 1985: Dementia, Brain and Behaviour, Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Trials, Neuroimaging 1989: Stroke, AIDS, Neuroimmunology, Tropical Immunology, Neurological Rehabilitation The main theme chosen by the Canadians was: "Degeneration and Regeneration of the Nervous System" The following main themes were proposed: (i) Dementia (ii) Impact of Neuroimaging on Clinical Neurology (iii) Molecular Genetics of Neurological Disease (iv) Headache (v) Environmental and Occupational Neurology A vote by secret ballot was put to the Council of Delegates. The following 3 additional main themes were chosen by the delegates: (i) Headache (ii) Molecular Neurogenetics (iii) Environmental and Occupational Neurology
232 (18) Suggestions for symposia
(a) Symposia It was reported that there is accommodation for 30 symposia. The Research Committee proposed the following suggestions for symposia: (i) Neurological Education (ii) Biopsy in Neurology (iii) Pathogenesis of Neuroimmunological Disease (iv) Gene Therapy (v) Molecular Genetics (vi) White Matter Lesions of the Brain (vii) Botulinum Toxin (viii) Growth Factor (ix) Methodology (x) Alzheimer's Disease (xi) Epilepsy - Diagnosis and Treatment (xii) Neurotraumatology (xiii) Pain (xiv) Psychosomatic (xv) Tropical Neurology and Neuroepidemielegy (xvi) Neuro-ophthalmology and Cortical Representation (xvii) Ethical Considerations in Management o! Neurological Problems in Different Cultures (xviii) Parkinson's Disease - Early Detection and Treatment (xix) Brain Injury- Recovery (xx) Cost Efficiency Consideration in Neuroimaging (xxi) Consciousness (xxii) Recent Advances in Clinical Neurophysiology (xxiii) Multiple Sclerosis (xxiv) Gene Therapy of Neuromuscular Disease (xxv) History of Neurology (xxvi) Autonomic Disorders (xxvii) Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventional Procedures (xxviii) Critical Care Neurology (xxix) Neurosonology (xxx) ALS (xxxi) Charcot's Centenary Members of the Council of Delegates also suggested the following topics: (xxxii) Peripheral Neuropathy (xxxiii) Prevention of Neurological Disease (xxxiv) Retrovirus in Neurology (xxxv) Neuro-oncology (xxxvi) Cerebrospinal fluid The final choice of symposia will be made by the Local Organising and Scientific Committees.
(b) Scientific programme (Dr. Aguayo) Proposal: That the Scientific Programme would combine clinical neurology and research in neurology. It was also proposed that a committee should be formed to gather ideas from delegates. If interested, members can fax Dr. Aguayo at (415) 937-3532. Research Groups wishing to hold administrative meetings during the World Congress should contact Dr. D.W. Paty as early as possible (fax: (604) 875-4829). (i) Satellite symposia Proposal: That the satellite symposia be held after the World Congress. Two-thirds of the programme must be completed by the end of March 1992. A contribution of 10% or $1000 from the symposia would be paid to the WFN from Research Groups that are associated with the WFN. Monies from those not associated with the WFN will go to the Local Organising Committee. Groups planning satellite symposia need permission from the WFN and the Local Organising Committee in order to avoid conflicts with the general programme. (ii) Poster sessions and oral presentations All presentations will be made in English. There will be early morning lectures in addition to the symposia and main themes. (19) Suggestions for named lecturers Proposal: That the WFN will name the Soriano lecturer from the list provided by the Local Organising Committee. Action: Approved. (20) Consideration of Educational courses Educational courses should be provided for young neurologists and doctors in training. These courses are well attended and prc~fitable. The Council of Delegates agreed that they would like to attract young neurologists to the World Congress. They al~'o suggested that courses could be integrated with the general meeting as well as holding them before or after the World Congress. It was agreed by the Council of Delegates that further discussion is needed, therefore, the Local Organising Committee and the Management Committee will discuss the possibility of providing educational courses.
(21) Other business
(a) Report from Yugoslavian delegate (Prof. B. Barac) Prof. Barac circulated a declaration signed by several Yugoslavian neurologists, appealing to the
233 international neurological community to help to stop the fighting in Croatia. The declaration appealed for moral help in coming to a democratic solution. The declaration was signed 1 August 1991, and as yet, has had no effect.
(b) Agenda (Dr. $. Sen) Dr. Sen proposed that the Agenda and supporting documents be sent out to delegates 2 months in advance of the meeting so that members have time to prepare.
(c) President attending regional congresses It was questioned whether the President (Lord Walton) would be willing to attend regional congresses. Lord Walton stated that he will attend meetings whenever he is invited and able to do so. If he is unable to attend, he will send a deputy.
(d) Reports of World Neurology (Dr. F. Clifford Rose) The deadline for reports for World Neurology is the end of September for the next issue, and December for the following one.
(e) Request from Austrian delegate (Dr. F. Gerstenbrand) Dr. Gerstenbrand reported that neurology has a weak lobby and suggested that inviting political leaders to the World Congress may aid in strengthening that lobby. There being no other business, the meeting was concluded at 17:30 h. F. CLIFFORD ROSE
14 September 1991
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W o r l d F e d e r a t i o n of Neurology I n f o r m a t i o n
WFN Council of Delegates M i n u t e s of the M e e t i n g of the Council of D e l e g a t e s (cP Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 14 September 1991)
(1) Attendance
Present: Lord Walton (Chair), Prof. S. Muchnik (Argentina and Uruguay-proxy), Dr. F. Gerstenbrand (Austria, Czechoslovakia and USSR-proxy), Lord Walton (Dominican Republic, Greece, Pakistan and South Africa-proxy), Dr. J. King (Australia), Dr. A. Lowenthai (Belgium-proxy), Dr. V. Hachinski (Boliviaproxy), Prof. A. Spina-Franca (Brazil), Dr. R. Riopelle (Canada), Dr. Olesen (Denmark and Finland-proxy), Dr. Aguirre (Ecuador), Dr. A. Rascol (France), Dr. K. Poeck (Germany-proxy), Dr. F. Clifford Rose (Great Britain-proxy), Dr. V. Wong (Hong Kong-proxy), Dr. E. Csanda (Hungary, Romania-proxy), Prof. G. Gudmundsson (Iceland), Dr. S. Sen (India), Dr. B. Chandra (Indonesia), Dr. H. Staunton (Ireland), Dr. L. Amaducci (Italy-proxy), Dr. H. Narabayashi (Japan-proxy), Dr. F. Rubio-Donnadieu (Mexico), Dr. T.J. Tans (Netherlands), Dr. R. Nyberg-Hansen (Norway), Dr. J. Altamirano (Peru), Dr. I. Hausmanova-Petrusewicz (Poland), Dr. V. Wojna (Puerto Rico), Dr. E. Tolosa (Spain), Dr. B. Johansson (Sweden), Dr. H.R. Isler (Switzerland), Prof. Rong-Chi Chen (Taiwan), Dr. M. Ben Hamida (Tunisia), Dr. R. Johnson (U.S.A.), Prof. P.L. Ponce-Ducharne, Prof. B. Barac (Yugoslavia) (2) Minutes of the last Meeting Minutes of the last Meeting held at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, India, on Sunday 22 October 1989, were accepted as published.
(3) Matters arising from the Minutes There were no matters arising from the Minutes not otherwise covered on the agenda.
(4) Obituaries
(a) Dr. Sigvald Refsum Dr. Nyberg-Hansen paid tribute to the life and work of Dr. Sigvald Refsum who passed away on 8 July 1991. Further comments were added by Lord Walton and Dr. M. Cohen. These tributes will be published in World Neurology.
(b) Dr. Russell DeJong Dr. M. Cohen and Lord Walton spoke about the many contributions of Dr. DeJong, the founding editor of Neurology. (c) Dr. Treiles Tribute was paid by Dr. J. Altamirano to this past Vice-president of the WFN. (d) Dr. Reginald Kelly A tribute was paid to Dr. Reginald Kelly whose work in multiple sclerosis (IFMSS) and the Research Committee had been notable. (e) Dr. Leon Roizin Recognition was given by Dr. Wilson to Dr. Leon Roizin, who was the founder of the Research Group on Neurotoxicology and Occupational Neurology. ($) President's Report (Lord Walton) The following points were included in the President's Report; (a) Thanks to Dr. F. Clifford Rose (Secretary-Treasurer General), Dr. K. Poeck (First Vice President and Chairman of the Research Committee), Dr. A. Lowenthal (Joint Secretary-Treasurer General and Secretary of the Research Committee), and Dr. J.F. Toole (Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the Neuro-
logical Sciences). (b) He noted that the finances of the Federation have improved greatly due to prompt payment of clues by member societies, new Research Groups and corporate members. (c) Reports were received from the five Vice-Presidents: Dr. A.K. Asbury Dr. M. Ben Hamida Dr. J.W. Lance Dr. A. Portera-Sanchez Dr. N.H. Wadia (d) Thanks were expressed to Chairmen of the various WFN committees.
229 (e) Thanks were offered to Warner-Lambert for continued support for World Neurology. Members are urged to write comments to Dr. F. Clifford Rose, giving their views on World Neurology. (f) Sponsorship of congresses and meetings The statutes must be followed when Research Groups hold sponsored meetings. If the Research Group uses a commercial sponsor for its meeting, then a 10% overhead is to be paid to the WFN. It was agreed that for international meetings, the WFN logo and affiliation can be used, but 10% of the profits or $1000 (whichever is greater) must be paid to the WFN. (g) The President also reported on meetings he has attended.
(6) Reports from Research Committee (Dr. K. Poecl0
(a) Proposals for new Research Groups Formation and disbandment Proposal: That new Research Groups be given a 2 year interim period before final status of the Group is established. At the end of 2 years, request for written evidence of activity will be requested. If a written report is not received upon request, a warning will be given to the group. If, at the end of 4 years, written proof of activity is still not evident, a proposal for disbandment of the Research group will be brought before the Research Committee for approval. Action: Approved. .
(b) New applications for Research Groups The Research Committee felt the following 5 applicants fulfilled all requirements for multidisciplinary and international representation, and recommended that they be approved. (i) Prevention of Cerebral Palsy and Related Development Disabilities (Perinatal Brain Damage and Cerebral Palsy) (ii) Pain (iii) Space and Underwater Medicine (iv) Pathophysiology of Consciousness and its Disturbances (v) International Society of Neuromodulation Action: Approved.
(c) Update of Listings The Research Committee needs an updated list of Chairmen and Secretaries of the various Research Groups.
(7) Secretary.Treasurer General's Report (Dr. F. Clifford Rose)
(8) Report of Steering Committee (Dr. V. Hachinski)
(a) Applications for membership (i)
Flemish Society: Proposal: The Steering Committee encourages the Flemish Society to participate in the WFN, but only one delegate from Belgium may have a vote. Therefore, the Flemish Society and the Belgium Neurological Society should decide between themselves who is to act as the Belgium delegate. Action: Approved. (ii) Estonia: The Steering Committee recognises that Estonia is an independent country within the WFN statutes. A vote of the Council of Delegates was unanimous that Estonia is an independent country. Action: Approved. (iii) South Korea Action: Approved.
(b) Continental congresses It was noted that the Pan-American Society, the Pan-European Society, the Pan-African Society and the Asian and Oceanic Society all have their meetings within a 4-month period. Proposal: That these meetings be changed so that there is one such major meeting per year. Action: Approved.
(c) Publications: Proposal: It was agreed in New Delhi that the Publications Committee be changed from an Ad Hoc Committee to a Standing Committee. The Journal of the Neurological Sciences and World Neurology are the only publications of the WFN, but Research Groups can be involved in sponsoring their own journals with the agreement of the Publications Committee. Action: Approved.
(d) Database Proposal: That updating the database of WFN members be changed from every 2 years to annually. It was also recommended that Research Group member lists and National Society member lists be merged. Finally, it was proposed that a standard computer system and database be used so that updates can be done by exchanging diskettes. Action: Approved.
(9) Constitution and Bye-laws (by correspondence) (a) The Constitution and By-laws Committee agreed to approve the Publications Committee as a Standing Committee.
230
~b) The Committee reported that it wished to suggest no change in the current statutes regarding the term of office of the President. This is a 4-year term, with the possibility of a second 4-year term. It was agreed that the President and the SecretaryTreasurer General no longer need come from the same country. It was proposed that to prevent difficulties in the change-over, the President-elect begins his position at the end of the calendar year, 3 months after the election and the SecretaryTreasure General-elect begins his term at the end of the second calendar year, 15 months after the election. He will work with the current SecretawTreasurer General during that time. Action: Approved. These proposals will be put forward at the World Congress of Neurology 1993 for formal approval by the membership.
(10) Report of the Finance Committee (Dr. R.B. Daroff)
(a) Increasing capital assets It was reported by the Finance Committee that in order to supply travel grants and registration fee aid to young neurologists through interest on capital funds, the WFN's capital assets must be increased. This is to be done in the following 2 areas: (i) Dues: There are currently 23 000 members of WFN. Annual dues from all members equals £69000. Currently £19000 are unpaid. Proposal: That an increased effort be made to collect unpaid dues and that audited accounts should be sent from those countries where exchange regulations prevent remission. Action: Approved. (ii) Sharing profits: It was reported that profits from World congresses and symposia are shared with WFN but regional congresses and symposia are not. Proposal: That for WFN-sponsored regional congresses and symposia, a 10% share of the profit or $1000 (whichever is greater) be paid to WFN. For those regional congresses who receive an interest-free loan from WFN, 50% of the profits should be paid to WFN. Finally, it was proposed that Research Groups increase their membership and be reminded to transfer 10% of their annual income to the WFN. Action: Approved.
(b) Permanent Secretariat It was proposed that the WFN establish a permanent secretariat in the office of the Secretary-
Treasurer General, total expenses not to exceed £21000 per annum. Action: Approved.
(11) Report of Publications Committee (Dr. R.B. Daroff)
(a) Publications It was reported that the WFN has 2 official publications, namely the Journal of the Neurological Sciences, Editor-in-Chief Dr. J.F. Toole, and World Neurology, Editor Dr. F. Clifford Rose. There are also publicationsthat are produced by various Research Groups: (i) Current Opinion in Neurology and Neurosurgery (Education) (ii) Tropical and Geographical Neurology (sponsored by Tropical Neurology and Neuroepidemiology) - first issue will be out later this month (September) (iii) Journal of History of Neurosciences (History of Neurology) Research Groups wishing to publish their own journals with sponsorship by the WFN should contact Dr. R.B. Daroff who will negotiate financial agreements. Action: Approved.
(12) Report of Nominations Committee (Dr. Hokkanen) The Nominations Committee reported that there was very little business to conduct. They have conducted their activities by correspondence. Proposal: That the Nominations Committee report be circulated to delegates not less than 6 months before the World Congress so that additional nominations might be made. It was suggested that such a nomination should require the approval of 10 delegates. Action: Approved that the list of nominees approved by the Nominations Committee be circulated to members not less than 6 months before the World Congress of Neurology, and that approval of only 5 delegates should be required for additional nominations. (13) Journal of the NeurologicalSciences (Dr. J.F. Toole)
(a) Change of format The change in format of the Journal has been well-received and the Journal has been well supported by members with manuscripts.
(b) Circulation It was proposed that an effort to increase circulation is needed.
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(c) Contributions Members were reminded that they can contribute to the Journal opinions and reviews, historical vignettes, and editorials as well as full manuscripts.
(d) Publicity Members were urged to publicise the Journal to friends and colleagues.
(e) Obituary Proposal: That the tribute paid to Dr. Sigvald Refsum by Dr. Nyberg-Hansen be published in the Journal. Action: Approved.
(14) WorldNeurology (Dr. F. Clifford Rose)
(a) Research Groups Members were urged to send names of Research Group members who would benefit from receiving World Neurology. Individual subscriptions would cost £5 per annum but it was felt that some Research Groups and corporate members might wish to purchase subscriptions in bulk for all their non-neurological members.
(b) Update on Neurological Centres Delegates were urged to send in reports on what is happening in various centres of their countries.
(c) Names and addresses World Neurology will be publishing the names and addresses of the delegates and of officers of Research Groups and members of committees. Changes should be sent as soon as possible to the Editor.
(d) WHO It was proposed that the WFN draft a letter to the World Health Organisation requesting that it include dementia and cerebrovascular disease in the neurological chapter of ICDll. It was also proposed that a delegate from the WFN be on the ICDll Committee. (15) Site of 1997 Congress The following delegates made presentations regarding hosting the 1997 World Congress of Neurology: (a) Buenos Aires, Argentina - Prof. S. Muchnik (b) Sydney, Australia - Dr. J. King (c) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Prof. A. Spina-Franca (d) Helsinki, Finland - Dr. J. Olesen (e) Budapest, Hungary - Dr. E. Csanda
(f) Lima, Peru - Dr. E. Beteta (g) London, England - Dr. F. Clifford Rose (h) Florence, Italy - Dr. L. Amaducci Policies and guidelines for hosting the World Congress of Neurology will be sent to all applicants. Actions: Approved that the 8 applicants would receive the full details. It was reported that when applying for hosting the World Congress, prices, facilities, background to the production of a scientific programme, political climate, freedom o f entry into the country, and financial exchange rules should all be considered.
(16) Report of European delegates
(a) Constitution and by-laws Delegates agreed to accept the proposed constitution and by-laws for final agreement in Vienna in December.
(b) Future Congresses It was agreed to recommend that the next PanEuropean Congress will be held in 1994, the Pan-American Congress in 1995, the Asian and Oceanian Congress in 1996, and the World Congress in 1997. This schedule will allow the delegates to attend an international meeting each year and will prevent rival congresses from meeting within a short period. (17) Choice of major themes for Vancouver Congress It was reported that the main themes at past World Congresses of Neurology were: 1981: Stroke, Cerebral Localisation, Neuropeptides 1985: Dementia, Brain and Behaviour, Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Trials, Neuroimaging 1989: Stroke, AIDS, Neuroimmunology, Tropical Immunology, Neurological Rehabilitation The main theme chosen by the Canadians was: "Degeneration and Regeneration of the Nervous System" The following main themes were proposed: (i) Dementia (ii) Impact of Neuroimaging on Clinical Neurology (iii) Molecular Genetics of Neurological Disease (iv) Headache (v) Environmental and Occupational Neurology A vote by secret ballot was put to the Council of Delegates. The following 3 additional main themes were chosen by the delegates: (i) Headache (ii) Molecular Neurogenetics (iii) Environmental and Occupational Neurology
232 (18) Suggestions for symposia
(a) Symposia It was reported that there is accommodation for 30 symposia. The Research Committee proposed the following suggestions for symposia: (i) Neurological Education (ii) Biopsy in Neurology (iii) Pathogenesis of Neuroimmunological Disease (iv) Gene Therapy (v) Molecular Genetics (vi) White Matter Lesions of the Brain (vii) Botulinum Toxin (viii) Growth Factor (ix) Methodology (x) Alzheimer's Disease (xi) Epilepsy - Diagnosis and Treatment (xii) Neurotraumatology (xiii) Pain (xiv) Psychosomatic (xv) Tropical Neurology and Neuroepidemielegy (xvi) Neuro-ophthalmology and Cortical Representation (xvii) Ethical Considerations in Management o! Neurological Problems in Different Cultures (xviii) Parkinson's Disease - Early Detection and Treatment (xix) Brain Injury- Recovery (xx) Cost Efficiency Consideration in Neuroimaging (xxi) Consciousness (xxii) Recent Advances in Clinical Neurophysiology (xxiii) Multiple Sclerosis (xxiv) Gene Therapy of Neuromuscular Disease (xxv) History of Neurology (xxvi) Autonomic Disorders (xxvii) Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventional Procedures (xxviii) Critical Care Neurology (xxix) Neurosonology (xxx) ALS (xxxi) Charcot's Centenary Members of the Council of Delegates also suggested the following topics: (xxxii) Peripheral Neuropathy (xxxiii) Prevention of Neurological Disease (xxxiv) Retrovirus in Neurology (xxxv) Neuro-oncology (xxxvi) Cerebrospinal fluid The final choice of symposia will be made by the Local Organising and Scientific Committees.
(b) Scientific programme (Dr. Aguayo) Proposal: That the Scientific Programme would combine clinical neurology and research in neurology. It was also proposed that a committee should be formed to gather ideas from delegates. If interested, members can fax Dr. Aguayo at (415) 937-3532. Research Groups wishing to hold administrative meetings during the World Congress should contact Dr. D.W. Paty as early as possible (fax: (604) 875-4829). (i) Satellite symposia Proposal: That the satellite symposia be held after the World Congress. Two-thirds of the programme must be completed by the end of March 1992. A contribution of 10% or $1000 from the symposia would be paid to the WFN from Research Groups that are associated with the WFN. Monies from those not associated with the WFN will go to the Local Organising Committee. Groups planning satellite symposia need permission from the WFN and the Local Organising Committee in order to avoid conflicts with the general programme. (ii) Poster sessions and oral presentations All presentations will be made in English. There will be early morning lectures in addition to the symposia and main themes. (19) Suggestions for named lecturers Proposal: That the WFN will name the Soriano lecturer from the list provided by the Local Organising Committee. Action: Approved. (20) Consideration of Educational courses Educational courses should be provided for young neurologists and doctors in training. These courses are well attended and prc~fitable. The Council of Delegates agreed that they would like to attract young neurologists to the World Congress. They al~'o suggested that courses could be integrated with the general meeting as well as holding them before or after the World Congress. It was agreed by the Council of Delegates that further discussion is needed, therefore, the Local Organising Committee and the Management Committee will discuss the possibility of providing educational courses.
(21) Other business
(a) Report from Yugoslavian delegate (Prof. B. Barac) Prof. Barac circulated a declaration signed by several Yugoslavian neurologists, appealing to the
233 international neurological community to help to stop the fighting in Croatia. The declaration appealed for moral help in coming to a democratic solution. The declaration was signed 1 August 1991, and as yet, has had no effect.
(b) Agenda (Dr. $. Sen) Dr. Sen proposed that the Agenda and supporting documents be sent out to delegates 2 months in advance of the meeting so that members have time to prepare.
(c) President attending regional congresses It was questioned whether the President (Lord Walton) would be willing to attend regional congresses. Lord Walton stated that he will attend meetings whenever he is invited and able to do so. If he is unable to attend, he will send a deputy.
(d) Reports of World Neurology (Dr. F. Clifford Rose) The deadline for reports for World Neurology is the end of September for the next issue, and December for the following one.
(e) Request from Austrian delegate (Dr. F. Gerstenbrand) Dr. Gerstenbrand reported that neurology has a weak lobby and suggested that inviting political leaders to the World Congress may aid in strengthening that lobby. There being no other business, the meeting was concluded at 17:30 h. F. CLIFFORD ROSE
14 September 1991