IEEE Technical Activities Board Operations Manual

IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society;
IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society;
IEEE Information Theory Society;
IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society;
IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society;
IEEE Signal Processing Society;
IEEE Vehicular Technology Society

IEEE Biometrics Council;
IEEE Computational Intelligence Society;
IEEE Control Systems Society;
IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society;
IEEE Photonics Society;

IEEE Robotics and Automation Society;
IEEE Sensors Council;
IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society;
IEEE Systems Council

IEEE TECHNICAL SOCIETY FORMATION PROCESS

IEEE Societies shall be established within the scope and objectives of the IEEE groups of members interested in specific technical fields or related subjects (IEEE Bylaw I-401.3).Any IEEE member may propose the formation of a new IEEE Technical Society.  Formation of a new IEEE Technical Society requires the steps listed below.

IEEE Societies shall be established within the scope and objectives of the IEEE groups of members interested in specific technical fields or related subjects (IEEE Bylaw I-401.3).Any IEEE member may propose the formation of a new IEEE Technical Society.  Formation of a new IEEE Technical Society requires the steps listed below.

1. Preparation and distribution of a draft scope (typically - 150 words) and a rationale for the society to be proposed.

• This shall be prepared in consultation with the TAB Strategic Planning Committee.
• The Vice President of Technical Activities shall announce this to TAB at least 60 days prior to the announcement of the Draft Initial Proposal.
• TAB members are expected to provide relevant feedback.

2. Preparation of a Draft Initial Proposal.The Draft Initial Proposal shall include:

• Several possible names for the proposed society.
• A set of draft statements for the Field of Interest.
• A list of activities (e.g., conference, archival publications, student competitions) in which the new society plans to engage, and;
• A brief statement showing the need for a new society.
• The Vice President of Technical Activities shall announce the proposal to TAB at least 60 days prior to a TAB meeting.
• TAB members are expected to provide relevant feedback, especially regarding the proposed name and FOI statements.

3. Completion of a Draft Initial Proposal for forming a new IEEE Technical Society.

• This shall include a specific name and FOI for the proposed society.
• The Vice President of Technical Activities, after determining that the initial Proposal is complete, shall include the matter as an action item for the upcoming TAB meeting and issue a specific announcement on this matter to TAB members, no later than 15 days prior to a TAB meeting.
• The Initial Proposal shall be approved by TAB at least one meeting before it considers a Full Proposal for a new society.

4. Development of a Full Proposal for forming a new IEEE Technical Society.

• During development of the initial proposal, the stakeholders in the proposed society shall be identified. Stakeholders are those who already have Intellectual Property in the proposed field of interest.
• The IEEE members, in consultation with the stakeholders, the TAB New Technology Directions Committee, the TAB Strategic Planning Committee, the Staff Director Product Management and the Managing Director, Technical Activities, shall develop a Full Proposal. In so doing, they shall consider:
• • Opportunities for attaching the proposed activities to an existing society or council.
  • IEEE's need to be involved in emerging technologies.
  • IEEE's need to provide more focus on specific applications.
  • IEEE's need to provide more specific focus within existing technical fields across multiple societies.
  • The Full Proposal shall include the following information, including milestones:

  i. Proposed Field of Interest Statement
  

  ii. Proposed Constitution and Bylaws
  

  iii. Proposed Society Development Plan, including activities and observable achievements with dates
  

  a. Proposed Publication Plan, if appropriate
  

  b. Proposed Conference Plan, if appropriate
  

  c. Proposed Plans for other activities, e.g., educational products, standards
  

  d. Marketing study for proposed new products
  

  e. Proposed Resource Plan, including funds and other resources

  5. Submission of the Full Proposal for forming a new IEEE Technical Society.

  • The Full Proposal shall be submitted to the TAB Management Committee (TMC) before it is submitted to TAB.
  • Once approved by TMC, the proposal shall be submitted to TAB for final approval.
  • The full proposal may not be considered at the same TAB meeting at which the Initial Proposal is approved.

  This approval shall explicitly include the following four elements:
  (1) Approval of the Field of Interest (2) Approval of Constitution and Bylaws (3) Approval of the Division Placement (4) Endorse of the New Provisional Society

  6. Approval by TAB of the Formation of a new IEEE Technical Society.

  • Once approved, the Full Proposal becomes the agreement between the Proposing Members and TAB.
  • Once approved by TAB, a new society shall have a provisional status.
  • Provisional status allows full participation in TAB.
  • All new Societies shall have a provisional status until they meet the Objectives set forth in the Development Plan.
  • A provisional society shall submit a status report to the Society Review Committee (SRC) at each Board Series and shall meet with the SRC once a year.
  • A provisional society shall normally be reviewed for full compliance with their Development Plan after three (3) years, but may request review sooner if they feel they meet all objectives set forth therein.
  • This review will be conducted by the SRC, with resulting recommendations going to the TAB Management Committee and then TAB for approval.
  • TAB expects that the society will meet the objectives set forth in the Full Proposal within five (5) years.
  • Failure to meet these Objectives within five (5) years will be cause for the Provisional Society to be dissolved or to be merged with another society or council.

  7. Organization of the Provisional Society.

  • The new society will organize itself and proceed to execute the plans included in the Development Proposal.
  • TAB staff shall be notified of the appointment of officers.
  • TMC shall be notified of any changes to the Development Plan proposed by the Council. Changes that are considered by TMC to be substantive shall be approved by TAB.

  8. Establishment of a Provisional Society Advisory Committee.

  • Upon creation of a Provisional Society, the Vice President of Technical Activities shall appoint a small advisory committee.
  • The Advisory Committee shall act as mentors and when possible, will consist of current or past TAB members who have experience with starting a new business either within the IEEE or outside thereof.
  • The Advisory Committee will be available to assist the leader of the Provisional Society.
  • The Chair of the Advisory Committee will be a non-voting member of the Provisional Society's governing body.
  • The Advisory Committee shall monitor the progress of the new society, participating in meetings, and gathering information independent of the new society.
  • In addition to the Society report, the Advisory Committee shall provide inputs to the SRC at each of its regular meetings, typically held at the OU Series, and make a recommendation to TMC on the continuance of the Provisional Society once each year.
  • Based on the recommendation of SRC, the TMC shall annually review the progress of the Provisional Society in achieving its Objectives, assess its progress toward meeting its Objectives, and take such action as may be warranted in supporting the new Society in successfully meeting its Objectives.
  • The TMC shall report progress of the Provisional Society to TAB annually and include the Advisory Committee recommendation and any plan changes (identifying substantive changes).

  9. Achievement of Regular Status of the new IEEE Technical Society.

  TAB will grant Regular Status when the Provisional society meets the terms of the Full Proposal.

  Revisions to Section 4.4 - IEEE TECHNICAL SOCIETY FORMATION PROCESS, as contained in this manual, require the review and approval of the IEEE Board of Directors, using the process in accordance with IEEE Bylaw I-300.4(5).

  4.5	IEEE TECHNICAL COUNCIL OPERATIONS
  	1.	Technical Council Bylaws and Constitution. All Councils must operate according to their Council Bylaws and Constitution. Any changes to these documents shall be approved by the Vice President, Technical Activities and forwarded to TAB for information.
  	2.	Technical Council Meetings. All Council meetings shall be open to all members of the IEEE.
  	3.	Technical Council Finances and Administration. The annual Council budget must be approved by the TAB Finance Committee and TAB. The budgets, finances, and reserves of all technical organizational units are an integral part of IEEE under the ultimate authority of the Board of Directors. These operations are carried forward through administrative authorization delegated to the Technical Activities Board, as appropriate
  	4.	Technical Council Conferences. A Technical Council by itself, or jointly with other organizations, may hold conferences, conventions, or other forms of meetings in a manner similar to Societies as specified in Section 6 of this manual.
  	5.	Technical Council Publications. Each Technical Council authorized by TAB may publish periodicals in a manner similar to Societies as specified in Section 4.2.6. of this manual.
  	Revisions to Section 4.5 - Technical Council Operations , as contained in this manual, require the review and approval of the IEEE Board of Directors, using the process in accordance with IEEE Bylaw I-300.4(5).
  4.6	COUNCIL ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE TAB APPROVAL
  	The following activities must be communicated and submitted to the IEEE Technical Activities Board for endorsement/approval: Items requiring final approval by the IEEE Board of Directors shall be prepared by Staff.
  	1.	Revisions to Council Field of Interest Statements
  	2.	Change in Council Name (also requires IEEE BoD approval to change IEEE Bylaws)
  	3.	Change in Council Finances
  	4.	New Council Publications
  4.7	IEEE TECHNICAL COUNCIL FORMATION PROCESS
  	An IEEE Technical Council may be established by the Technical Activities Board for the purpose of providing a continuing mechanism for two (2) or more IEEE Societies, called Member Societies, to work together in a multi-disciplinary technical area of mutual interest, primarily through conferences and publications (IEEE Bylaw I-401.6).  Any two or more IEEE Technical Societies may propose the formation of a new IEEE Technical Council. Formation of a new IEEE Technical Council requires the steps listed below. 1. Preparation and distribution of a draft scope (typically ~150 words) and a rationale for the IEEE Technical Council to be proposed.  This shall be prepared in consultation with the TAB Strategic Planning Committee. The Vice President of Technical Activities shall announce this to TAB at least 60 days prior to the announcement of the Draft Initial Proposal.  TAB members are expected to provide relevant feedback. 2.  Preparation of a Draft Initial Proposal.  The Draft Initial Proposal shall include: Several possible names for the proposed Council. A set of draft statements for the Field of Interest Statement (FOI). A list of activities (e.g., conference, archival publications, student competitions) in which the new Council plans to engage in, and a brief statement showing the need for the new Council. The Vice President of Technical Activities shall announce the proposal to TAB at least 60 days prior to a TAB meeting. TAB members are expected to provide feedback, especially regarding the proposed name and FOI statement. 3. Completion of an Initial Proposal for forming a new IEEE Technical Council. This shall include a specific name and FOI for the proposed Council The Vice president of Technical Activities, after determining that the Initial Proposal is complete, shall include the matter as an action item for the upcoming TAB meeting and issue a specific announcement on this matter to TAB members no later than 15 days prior to a TAB meeting. The Initial Proposal shall be approved by TAB at least one meeting before it considers a Full Proposal for a new Council. 4.  Development of a Full Proposal for forming a new IEEE Technical Council. During development of the initial proposal, the stakeholders in the proposed Council shall be identified.  Stakeholders are those who already have Intellectual Property in the proposed field of interest. The Proposing Societies, in consultation with the Stakeholders, the TAB New Technology Directions Committee, the TAB Strategic Planning Committee, the Staff Director, Product Management, and the Managing Director, Technical Activities, shall develop a Full Proposal.  In doing so, they shall consider Opportunities for attaching the proposed activities to an existing society or council IEEE's need to be involved in emerging technologies. IEEE's need to provide more focus on specific applications. IEEE's need to provide more specific focus within existing technical fields across multiple societies. The Full Proposal shall include the following information, including milestones: i. Proposed Field of Interest Statement ii. Proposed Constitution and Bylaws (See S/C Constitution & Bylaws "Must Haves" and "Nice to Haves") iii. Proposed Council Development Plan, including activities and observable achievements (e.g., Conference Plan) with dates. a. Proposed Publication Plan, if appropriate b. Proposed Conference Plan, if appropriate c. Proposed Plans for other activities, e.g., educational products, standards d. Marketing study for proposed new products e. Proposed Resource Plan, including funds and other resources 5. Submission of the Full Proposal for forming a new IEEE Technical Council. The Full Proposal shall be submitted to the TAB Management Committee (TMC) before it is submitted to TAB. Once approved by TMC, the proposal shall be submitted to TAB for final approval.  The Full Proposal may not be considered at the same TAB meeting at which the Initial Proposal is approved. This approval shall explicitly include the following four elements: (1) Approval of the Field of Interest (2) Approval of Constitution and Bylaws (3) Endorsement of the Division Placement (4) Approval of the New Provisional Council 6. Approval by TAB of the formation of a new IEEE Technical Council. Once approved by TAB, the Full Proposal shall become the document outlining the relationship between the proposing Societies and TAB. Once approved by TAB, a nw Council shall have a provisional status. Provisional status allows full participation in TAB All new Councils shall have a provisional status until they meet the Objectives set forth in the Development Plan. A provisional Council shall submit a status report to the TAB Society Review Committee (SRC) at each Board Series and shall meet with the SRC once a year. A provisional council shall normally be reviewed for full compliance with their Development Plan after three (3) years but may request review sooner if the Council has met all objectives set forth therein. This review will be conducted by the SRC, with resulting recommendations going to the TMC for consideration and possible endorsement, and then to TAB for approval. TAB expects that the Council will meet the objectives set forth in the Full Proposal within five (5 ) years. Failure to meet these Objectives within five (5) years will be cause for the Provisional Council to be dissolved or to be merged with another Society or Council. 7. Organization of the Provisional Council. The new Council will organize itself and proceed to execute the plans included in the Development Proposal. TAB staff shall be notified of the appointment of officers. TMC shall be notified of any changes to the Development Plan proposed by the Council. Changes that are considered by TMC to be substantive shall be approved by TAB. 8. Establishment of a Provisional Council Advisory Committee. Upon creation of a Provisional Council, the Vice President of Technical Activities shall appoint a small Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee shall act as mentors and, when possible, will consist of current or past TAB members who have experience with starting a new business either within the IEEE or outside thereof. The Advisory Committee will be available to assist the leader of the Provisional Council. The Chair of the Advisory Committee will be a non-voting member of the Provisional Council's governing body. The Advisory Committee shall monitor the progress of the new Council, participating in meetings and gathering information independent of the new Council. In addition to the Council report, the Advisory Committee shall provide inputs to the SRC at each of its regular meetings, typically held at the OU Series, and make a recommendation to TMC on the continuance of the Provisional Council once each year. Based on the recommendation of SRC, the TAB Management Committee shall annually review the progress of the Provisional Council in achieving its Objectives, assess its progress toward meeting its Objectives, and take such action as may be warranted in supporting the new Council in successfully meeting its Objectives. The TMC shall report progress of the Provisional Council to TAB annually and include the Advisory Committee recommendation and any plan changes (identifying substantive changes). 9. Achievement of Regular Status of the new IEEE Technical Council. TAB will grant Regular Status when the Provisional Council meets the terms of the Full Proposal. Revisions to Section 4.7- IEEE TECHNICAL COUNCIL FORMATION PROCESS, as contained in this manual, require the review and approval of the IEEE Board of Directors, using the process in accordance with IEEE Bylaw I-300.4(5).
  	Revisions to Section 4.7- IEEE TECHNICAL COUNCIL FORMATION PROCESS, as contained in this manual, require the review and approval of the IEEE Board of Directors, using the process in accordance with IEEE Bylaw I-300.4(5).
  4.8	S/C TITLES AND FIELD OF INTEREST STATEMENTS
  	The Societies and Councils of the IEEE are officially titled IEEE______Society/Council or optionally, IEEE Society/Council on _________. The S/C Titles and Field of Interest Statements are included within Section 4.9.
  A.	Society Name Change. To change a Society's name, which is part of a Society's Constitution, the following steps must be followed:
  	(1) To initiate a name change, the Society shall file a notice of proposed change with the TAB Managing Director. The Society President must then send this notice to all other S/C Presidents, including the Director of the applicable Division, (and the Presidents' Forum Chair) with a request to notify the proposing S/C President of any comments. The notice should be sent out in accordance with the deadline set for the upcoming TAB agenda.
  	(2) The proposed change shall then be communicated as an action item at the Presidents' Forum with a summary of comments received from S/C Presidents. If not approved by a majority of S/C Presidents, an Ad Hoc Committee of interested and affected S/C Presidents shall be appointed by the TAB Vice President-Elect (who will also act as the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee). Following due deliberations and input from Society AdComs/BoGs, the Ad Hoc Committee will attempt to arrive at a mutually acceptable statement of the proposed change. The Committee must report back to the Presidents' Forum at the next meeting with either an appropriate Motion or a recommendation that an Ad Hoc Arbitration Committee - chaired by the Vice President-Elect and consist of five (5) Presidents from disinterested Societies (i.e., who are not members of the affected S/Cs being formed. Again, this Committee must report back to the next meeting of the Presidents' Forum with its recommendation.
  	(3) Based on the approval of the majority of the S/C Presidents present at the TAB Caucus, the proposed change will be introduced to TAB as a Forum Motion and voted on accordingly. TAB may authorize the new name for the Society.
  B.	Field of Interest Statements. To change a Society's Field of Interest statement, which is part of a Society's Constitution, the following steps must be followed:
  	1) To initiate a change in its Field of Interest, a Society files a notice of proposed change with the Managing Director, Technical Activities. The Society President must then send this notice to all other Society/Council (S/C) Presidents (and the Society Presidents' Forum Chair) with a request to notify the proposing S/C President of any comments. The notice should be sent out in accordance with the deadline set for the upcoming TAB agenda.
  	(2) The proposed change should then be communicated as an action item at the Presidents' Forum with a summary of comments received from S/C Presidents. If not approved by a majority of S/C Presidents, an Ad Hoc Committee of interested and affected S/C Presidents shall be appointed by the Forum Chair (who will also act as the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee). Following due deliberations and input from Society Administrative Committees, the Ad Hoc Committee will attempt to arrive at a mutually acceptable statement of the proposed change. The Committee must report back to the Presidents' Forum at the next meeting of the Forum with either an appropriate Motion or a recommendation that an Ad Hoc Arbitration Committee - chaired by the Forum Chair and consisting of five (5) Presidents from disinterested Societies and who are not members of the affected S/C - be formed. Again, this Committee must report back to the Presidents' Forum at the next meeting of the Forum with its recommendation.
  	(3) Based on the approval of the majority of the S/C Presidents present at the Presidents' Forum, the proposed change will be introduced to TAB as a Forum Motion and voted on accordingly. TAB may authorize the change in the Society's Field of Interest statement.
  4.9	IEEE AEROSPACE AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS SOCIETY (AES-10) (top)
  	The organization, design, development, integration, and operation of complex systems for space, air, ocean or ground environments. These systems include but are not limited to navigation, avionics, mobile electric power and electronics, radar, sonar, telemetry, military, law-enforcement, automatic test, simulators, and command and control. Many AES members are concerned with the practice of systems engineering. (9/94)
  4.10	IEEE ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION SOCIETY (AP-03) (top)
  	Includes the following: antennas, including analysis, design, development, measurement, and testing; radiation, propagation, and the interaction of electromagnetic waves with discrete and continuous media; and applications and systems pertinent to antennas, propagation, and sensing, such as applied optics, millimeter-and sub-millimeter-wave techniques, antenna signal processing and control, radio astronomy, and propagation and radiation aspects of terrestrial and space-based communication, including wireless, mobile, satellite, and telecommunication. (6/04)
  4.11	IEEE BIOMETRICS COUNCIL (BIO-46) (top)
  	The theory, design, and application of biometric characterization of human beings, based on physiological and/or behavioral features and traits, in particular for identification, identity verification, authentication, encryption, recognition and medical diagnosis. (11/07)
  4.12	IEEE BROADCAST TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY (BT-02) (top)
  	Devices, equipment, techniques and systems related to broadcast technology, including the production, distribution, transmission, and propagation aspects. (11/82)
  4.13	IEEE CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS SOCIETY (CAS-04) (top)
  	The theory, analysis, design (computer aided design), and practical implementation of circuits, and the application of circuit theoretic techniques to systems and to signal processing. The coverage of this field includes the spectrum of activities from, and including, basic scientific theory to industrial applications. (8/83)
  4.14	IEEE COMMUNICATIONS SOCIETY (COMM-19) (top)
  	The IEEE Communications Society embraces the science, technology and applications supporting the transfer and organization of information, of diverse media types and formats, through communication networks and channels. (11/02) This may include: * Architecture, control, management, performance, and applications of electronic, optical, and wireless communication networks; * Technologies and services for existing and emerging networks and the Internet; * Theory and techniques of modulation, detection, coding, and signaling through channels; design and operation of packet- and circuit-switched networks; * Switching and routing systems; * Communication protocols, software, and middleware; * Techniques for achieving quality of service and reliability; * Communications capabilities of terminals, appliances, and information systems; * Communications standards and specifications; and * The impact of communications technologies on societies and individuals
  4.15	IEEE COMPONENTS, PACKAGING, AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY (CPMT-21) (top)
  	The scientific, engineering, and production aspects of materials, component parts, modules, hybrids and microelectronic systems for all electronic applications. This includes the technology, selection, modeling and simulation, characterization, application, assembly, interconnection, packaging, handling, thermal management, reliability, testing and control of the above as they apply in design and manufacturing. Examples are the packaging of optoelectronics and bioelectronic systems, as well as the adaptation for operation in severe and harsh environments. Emphasis is placed upon research, analysis, development and application and manufacturing technology that aid in advancing the state-of-art within this scope. (6/99)
  4.16	IEEE COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SOCIETY (CIS-11) (top)
  	The Field of Interest of the Society shall be the theory, design, application, and development of biologically and linguistically motivated computational paradigms emphasizing neural networks, connectionist systems, genetic algorithms, evolutionary programming, fuzzy systems, and hybrid intelligent systems in which these paradigms are contained. (2/02)
  4.17	IEEE COMPUTER SOCIETY (COMP-16) (top)
  	The purposes of the Society shall be scientific, literary, and educational in character. The Society shall strive to advance the theory, practice, and application of computer and information processing science and technology and shall maintain a high professional standing among its members. The Society shall promote cooperation and exchange of technical information among its members and to this end shall hold meetings for the presentation and discussion of technical papers, shall publish technical journals, and shall through its organization and other appropriate means provide for the needs of its members. The scope of the Society shall encompass all aspects of theory, design, practice, and application relating to computer and information processing science and technology. (10/77)
  4.18	IEEE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SOCIETY (CE-08) (top)
  	The CONSUMER RELATED ASPECTS of leisure, video, and audio electronics; home information and communications systems, and interactive information and display systems. Products included in, but not limited to, these categories are receivers and video signal generation and distribution, projection TV, still and motion electronic cameras, Advanced TV Systems, consumer computing hardware and software, home bus control/security systems, telephones and accessories, electronic games and toys, digital audio systems, home health care electronic devices, home and mobile audio/communications systems, and music electronics. (1/89)
  4.19	IEEE CONTROL SYSTEMS SOCIETY (CS-23) (top)
  	The theory, design and application of Control Systems. It shall encompass components, and the integration of these components, as are necessary for the construction of such systems. The word `systems' as used herein shall be interpreted to include physical, biological, organizational and other entities, and combinations thereof, which can be represented through a mathematical symbolism. The field of interest shall include scientific, technical, industrial or other activities that contribute to this field, or utilize the techniques or products of this field, subject, as the art develops, to additions, subtractions, or other modifications directed or approved by the IEEE Technical Activities Board. (9/83)
  4.20	IEEE DIELECTRICS AND ELECTRICAL INSULATION SOCIETY (DEI-32) (top)
  	The study of dielectric phenomena and behavior, and development, characterization and application of all gaseous, liquid and solid electrical insulating materials and systems utilized in electrical, electronic, and biological applications equipment. The Society shall also be involved in the creation of voluntary engineering standards and the recommended practices related thereto. (6/09)
  4.21	IEEE COUNCIL ON ELECTRONIC DESIGN AUTOMATION (CEDA-44) (top)
  	The field of interest of the council spans the theory, implementation and use of EDA/CAD tools to design integrated electronic circuits and systems. This includes tools that automate all levels of the design, analysis and verification of hardware and embedded software up to and including complete working systems. (6/05)
  4.22	IEEE EDUCATION SOCIETY (Ed-25) (top)
  	Educational methods, educational technology, instructional materials, history of science and technology, and educational and professional development programs within the electrical engineering, computer engineering, and allied disciplines. (12/96)
  4.23	IEEE ELECTRON DEVICES SOCIETY (ED-15) (top)
  	The field of interest for EDS is all aspects of engineering, physics, theory, experiment and simulation of electron and ion devices involving insulators, metals, organic materials, plasmas, semiconductors, quantum-effect materials, vacuum, and emerging materials. Specific applications of these devices include bioelectronics, biomedical, computation, communications, displays, electro and micro mechanics, imaging, micro actuators, optical, photovoltaics, power, sensors and signal processing. The Society is concerned with research, development, design and manufacture related to materials, processing, technology, and applications of such devices, and scientific, technical, educational and other activities that contribute to the advancement of this field.(03/07)
  4.24	IEEE ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY SOCIETY (EMC-27)(top)
  	The Field of Interest of the Society involves engineering related to the electromagnetic environmental effects of systems to be compatible with itself and their intended operating environment. This includes: standards, measurement techniques and test procedures, instrumentation, equipment and systems characteristics, interference control techniques and components, education, computational analysis, and spectrum management, along with scientific, technical, industrial, professional or other activities that contribute to this field.
  4.25	IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY (EMB-18) (top)
  	The field of interest is the application of the concepts and methods of the physical and engineering sciences to biology and medicine. This field covers a very broad range from formalized mathematical theory through experimental science and technological development to practical clinical applications. It includes support of scientific, technological and educational activities. (2/99)
  4.26	IEEE GEOSCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING SOCIETY (GRS-29) (top)
  	The theory, concepts, and techniques of science and engineering as applied to sensing the earth, oceans, atmosphere and space, and the processing, interpretation, and dissemination of this information. (2/78)
  4.27	IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS SOCIETY (IE-13) (top)
  	The theory and applications of electronics, controls, communications, instrumentation and computational intelligence to industrial and manufacturing systems and processes. (2/98)
  4.28	IEEE INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS SOCIETY (IA-34) (top)
  	The scope of the Industry Applications Society, as a transnational organization, is the advancement of the theory and practice of electrical and electronic engineering in the development, design, manufacture and application of electrical systems, apparatus, devices, and controls to the processes and equipment of industry and commerce; the promotion of safe, reliable, and economic installations; industry leadership in energy conservation and environmental, health, and safety issues; the creation of voluntary engineering standards and recommended practices; and the professional development of its membership. (2/98)
  4.29	IEEE INFORMATION THEORY SOCIETY (IT-12) (top)
  	The processing, transmission, storage, and use of information, and the foundations of the communication process. It specifically encompasses theoretical and certain applied aspects of coding, communications and communications networks, complexity and cryptography, detection and estimation, learning, Shannon Theory, and stochastic processes. (8/87)
  4.30	IEEE INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT SOCIETY (IM-09) (top)
  	The science of developing and using electrical and electronic instruments for the purpose of measuring, monitoring or recording various physical phenomena that may or may not be of an electrical nature. This includes analog and digital electronic instruments, systems and standards for measuring and recording electrical quantities in the frequency domain (including DC) and the time domain, and transducers to give access to non-electrical quantities. Instruments with automated control and analysis functions are part of the field of interest. (3/86)
  4.31	IEEE INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS SOCIETY (ITS-38) (top)
  	The Society is interested in theoretical, experimental and operational aspects of electrical and electronics engineering and information technologies as applied to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), defined as those systems utilizing synergistic technologies and systems engineering concepts to develop and improve transportation systems of all kinds. (6/04)
  4.32	IEEE PHOTONICS SOCIETY (PHOT-36) (top)
  	Lasers, optical devices, optical fibers and associated lightwave technology and their application in systems and subsystems, in which the quantum electronic devices are key elements. The Society is concerned with the research, development, design, manufacture, and applications of materials, devices and systems, and with the various scientific and technological activities which contribute to the useful expansion of the field of quantum electronics and applications. The Society shall aid in promoting close cooperation with other IEEE Groups and Societies in the form of joint publications, sponsorship of meetings and other forms of information exchange. Appropriate cooperative efforts will also be undertaken with non-IEEE societies. (8/90)
  4.33	IEEE MAGNETICS SOCIETY (Mag-33) (top)
  	Treatment of all matters in which the dominant factors are the fundamental developments, design, and certain applications of magnetic devices. This includes consideration of materials and components as used therein, standardization of definitions, nomenclature, symbols, and operating characteristics; and exchange of information as by technical papers, conference sessions, and demonstrations. (2/80)
  4.34	IEEE MICROWAVE THEORY AND TECHNIQUES SOCIETY (MTT-17) (top)
  	The field of interest of the Society shall be "Microwave Theory, Techniques and Applications" of RF, microwave, guided wave, and wireless technologies, as they relate to components, devices, circuits, transmission lines, and systems involving the generation, modulation, demodulation, control, transmission, detection, and effects of electromagnetic signals. It shall include scientific, technical, and industrial, activities, subject to timely modifications approved by IEEE TAB. Microwave Theory and Techniques applies physical and mathematical principles to analyze structures with dimensions representing a significant fraction of a wavelength or when propagation effects need to be considered. (11/04)
  4.35	IEEE NANOTECHNOLOGY COUNCIL (NANO-42) (top)
  	The field of interest of the Council shall be the theory, design, and development of nanotechnology and its scientific, engineering, and industrial applications. The Council will provide a focus for cooperative activities, both internally and externally, including the promotion, consolidation, and coordination of nanotechnology activities among IEEE entities. (2/02)
  4.36	IEEE NUCLEAR AND PLASMA SCIENCES SOCIETY (NPS-05) (top)
  	The fields of interest of the Society are the nuclear and plasma sciences. The Society shall devote itself to publication or other dissemination of original contributions to the theory, experiments, educational methods and applications of these fields, and to the development of standards. Areas of technical activity shall include but not be limited to the following: Nuclear science and engineering, including: instrumentation for research; detection and measurement of radiation; nuclear biomedical applications; radiation monitoring and safety equipment; particle accelerators; nuclear instrumentation development for reactor systems; effects of radiation on materials, components, and systems; and applications of radiation and nuclear energy to other than utility power generation. Plasma science and engineering, including: magnetofluid dynamics and thermionics; plasma dynamics; gaseous electronics and arc technology; controlled thermonuclear fusion; electron, ion, and plasma sources; space plasmas; high current relativistic electron beams; laser-plasma interactions; diagnostics; plasma chemistry and colloidal and solid state plasmas. (3/73)
  4.37	IEEE OCEANIC ENGINEERING SOCIETY (OE-22) (top)
  	Includes all aspects of science, engineering, and technology that address research, development, and operations pertaining to all bodies of water. This includes the creation of new capabilities and technologies from concept design through prototypes, testing, and operational systems to sense, explore, understand, develop, use, and responsibly manage natural resources. (6/04)
  4.38	IEEE POWER ELECTRONICS SOCIETY (PEL-35) (top)
  	The development of power electronics technology. This technology encompasses the effective use of electronic components, the application of circuit theory and design techniques, and the development of analytical tools toward efficient electronic conversion, control, and conditioning of electric power. (6/87)
  4.39	IEEE POWER & ENERGY SOCIETY (PE-31) (top)
  	The scope of the Society embraces planning, research, development, design, application, construction, installation and operation of apparatus, equipment, structures, materials and systems for the safe, reliable and economic generation, transmission, and distribution, conversion, measurement and control of electric energy. It includes the developing of engineering standards, the providing of information and instruction to the public and to legislators, as well as technical scientific, literary, educational and other activities that contribute to the electric power discipline or utilize the techniques or products within this discipline. (5/82)
  4.40	IEEE PRODUCT SAFETY ENGINEERING SOCIETY (PSE-43) (top)
  	The theory, design, development and implementation of product safety engineering for equipment and devices used in the scientific, engineering, industrial, commercial and residential arenas. The Society will provide a focus for cooperative activities, both internal and external to IEEE, including the promotion and coordination of product safety engineering activities among IEEE entities. (6/03)
  4.41	IEEE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION SOCIETY (PC-26) (top)
  	Includes the study, development, improvement, and promotion of effective techniques for preparing, organizing, processing, editing, collecting, conserving, teaching, and disseminating any form of technical information by and to individuals and groups by any method of communication. It also includes technical, scientific, industrial, and other activities that contribute to the techniques and products used in this field. The specific areas encompassed by the Society's field of interest include all forms of communication related to engineering practice, including: (a) Electronic information (such as Web sites, CD-ROMs, interactive Video, online help); (b) Technical proposals, reports and documentation; (c) Other printed and electronic publications; (d) Oral presentations; (e) Specification and implementation of electronic publishing technologies and systems; (f) Specification and implementation of content management technologies and systems; (g) Specification and implementation of collaboration technologies and systems; (h) User interfaces; (i) Usability evaluations. The Society's field of interest also includes the research and development of new techniques, the definition of professional standards, and the fostering of continuing education related to these activities. (11/05)
  4.42	IEEE RELIABILITY SOCIETY (R-07) (top)
  	The Society is concerned with the strategies and the best practices for attaining, assessing, assuring, and sustaining system reliability throughout its life cycle. Reliability is a design attribute of a system (encompassing service and process). Even though reliability is intangible physically, it is a true system performance measure. Note: System reliability in this context implies the reliability of any product tier starting at the materials level, then the device / component level, then the assembly / unit / module level, to a system or system of systems. The term system is meant to be a broad term so that anyone within Reliability Engineering working on or with a product or process or service can be included within this Society. Additionally, by having Reliability as an attribute, with our broad perspective of the term, leads to the use of descriptive terms, such as: dependable, trustworthy, available, maintainable, reliable, fault-tolerant, graceful degradation, failure immunity, secure, safe, intuitive, resilient, reliant, etc. Reliability is integral to Design, Availability, Maintainability, Testability, Diagnostics, Prognostics and Health Management, Integrity, Security, Quality, Supportability, Human Engineering, and System Safety. The Society membership encompasses engineers who are designing, analyzing, producing and assessing some portion or level of a system, be it hardware, software, devices, processes, or materials. (6/06)
  4.43	IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION SOCIETY (RA-24) (top)
  	RAS strives to advance innovation, education, and fundamental and applied research in Robotics and Automation.  Robotics focuses on systems incorporating sensors and actuators that operate autonomously or semi-autonomously in cooperation with humans.  Robotics research emphasizes intelligence and adaptability to cope with unstructured environments.  Automation research emphasizes efficiency, productivity, quality, and reliability, focusing on systems that operate autonomously, often in structured environments over extended periods, and on the explicit structuring of such environments.(11/07)
  4.44	IEEE SENSORS COUNCIL (SEN-39) (top)
  	The fields of interest of the Council and its activities shall be the theory, design, fabrication, manufacturing and application of devices for sensing and transducing physical, chemical, and biological phenomena, with emphasis on the electronics, physics and reliability aspects of sensors and integrated sensor-actuators. (2/99)
  4.45	IEEE SIGNAL PROCESSING SOCIETY (SP-01) (top)
  	The theory and application of filtering, coding, transmitting, estimating, detecting, analyzing, recognizing, synthesizing, recording, and reproducing signals by digital or analog devices of techniques. The term "signal" includes audio, video, speech, image, communication, geophysical, sonar, radar, medical, musical, and other signals. (1/94)
  4.46	IEEE SOCIETY ON SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY (SIT-30) (top)
  	The impact of technology (as embodied by the fields of interest of IEEE) on society, including both positive and negative effects, the impact of society on the engineering profession, the history of the societal aspects of electrotechnology, and professional, social and economic responsibility in the practice of engineering and its related technology. (6/81)
  4.47	IEEE SOLID-STATE CIRCUITS SOCIETY (SSC-37) (top)
  	Design, implementation and application of solid-state integrated circuits (5/96)
  4.48	IEEE COUNCIL ON SUPERCONDUCTIVITY (CSC-41) (top)
  	The field of interest of the council and its activities and programs shall be to cover the science and technology of superconductors and their applications, including materials and their applications for electronics, magnetics and power systems, where the superconductor properties are central to the application. Super-conducting electronic applications will include both analog and digital circuits and systems. Power applications will include the generation, storage, transmission and use of electric power. (2/06)
  4.49	IEEE SYSTEMS COUNCIL (SysC-45) (top)
  	This Council integrates IEEE activities regarding aspects of multiple disciplines and specialty areas associated with the engineering of systems. This Council covers, but is not limited to the following: Systems engineering, education, standards, processes and methodologies; Modeling, simulation and integration related to design, testing, production and support; Design aspects for robust design, human factors, safety, security and usability; Transition of products from design to production, deployment and use; Quality control and system management; Program/product/project management interactions; Risk management; Systems architecture (6/05)
  4.50	IEEE SYSTEMS, MAN AND CYBERNETICS SOCIETY (SMC-28) (top)
  	Integration of the theories of communication, control, cybernetics, stochastics, optimization and system structure towards the formulation of a general theory of systems; (2) development of systems engineering technology including problem definition methods, modeling, and simulation, methods of system experimentation, human factors engineering data and methods, systems design techniques and test and evaluation methods; and (3) application of the above at both hardware and software levels to the analysis and design of biological, ecological, socio-economic, social service, computer information, and operational man-machine systems. (11/73)
  4.51	IEEE TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (TMC-14) (top)
  	The field of interest of the Council encompasses the management sciences and practices applicable to individuals engaged in or overseeing the management of engineering, technology, innovation, and strategy in a global environment. Topics of interest include but are not limited to: technology management and organizational strategy; technology policy development, assessment, and transfer; program and project management; transitioning from technology practitioner to manager; management of research, development, and design of products, equipment, processes, and related activities; innovation and entrepreneurship; interaction and role of scientists, engineers, and managers in meeting organizational objectives; education of personnel engaged in managing engineering, technology, and innovation; the economics of invention, innovation, and application of new technologies; and the impact of engineering, technology, and innovation management on society. (02/07)
  4.52	IEEE ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS AND FREQUENCY CONTROL SOCIETY (UFFC-20) (top)
  	The theory, technology, materials, and applications related to: the generation, transmission, and detection of ultrasonic waves and phenomena; medical ultrasound, and associated technologies; ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and piezomagnetic materials; frequency generation and control, timing, and time distribution. Areas of interest range from fundamental studies to the design and/or applications of devices, sensors, systems and manufacturing technologies within the general scope defined above. (02/09)
  4.53	IEEE VEHICULAR TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY (VT-06) (top)
  	The theoretical, experimental and operational aspects of electrical and electronics engineering in mobile radio, motor vehicles and land transportation. (a) Mobile radio shall include all terrestrial mobile services. (b) Motor vehicles shall include the components and systems and motive power for propulsion and auxiliary functions. (c) Land transportation shall include the components and systems used in both automated and non-automated facets of ground transport technology. (8/85)
  4.54	SOCIETY AND TECHNICAL COUNCIL PROFILES
  	Specific information about IEEE Societies and Technical Councils, is available on the Societies Homepage.
  4.55	TECHNICAL SOCIETY AGREEMENTS
  	IEEE encourages cooperation with National Societies to enhance IEEE's fields of interest on a global basis. The purpose of these agreements shall be to assist the development and elevation of technical skills and professional growth for members of participating organizations. (See IEEE Policy 5.7) The IEEE Societies may also establish agreements with National Societies, also know as Sister Society Agreements (SSA), which are developed by the IEEE Societies and are developed by the IEEE Technical Societies and are administered through IEEE Technical Activities.
  	Technical/Sister Society Agreements are designed to promote additional cooperation in a specific discipline, through joint activities. Additionally, in order to promote joint membership, these agreements may also provide discounts on IEEE Society membership fees and Society publications. A current list of these agreements may be found at http://www.ieee.org/portal/pages/corporate/NSA/sister.html.
  	Membership Discounts Some NSAs provide a 10% discount on IEEE basic dues and regional assessments. SSAs may also offer a 10% discount on IEEE Society member fees. The 10% discount on IEEE basic dues and regional assessments can only be established through a NSA. If a NSA does not exist and discounts on both IEEE basic membership and Society member fees are desired, then it is strongly encouraged that a NSA be initiated, so there can be discounts on dues at both the IEEE and the IEEE Society level.
  	SSA Establishment Process
  	IEEE Societies/Technical Councils may implement a SSA with National/Sister Societies but must first verify if an IEEE National Society Agreement is in existence, in development or needs to be established. The NSA status can be confirmed by contacting national-societies@ieee.org. Further information on establishing a SSA, including the recommended SSA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) text, is available.
  	If an IEEE National Society Agreement exists, then the SSA becomes a supplement. Supplements with signatures should be forwarded to IEEE Technical Activities who provide copies to IEEE Corporate Activities.
  	If a NSA does not exist, and discounts on IEEE dues and regional assessments are desired in addition to the IEEE Society dues discount, then a NSA must be initiated. Contact IEEE Corporate Activities or e-mail national-societies@ieee.org.
  	Initiating and signing a NSA is not a difficult process. The wording was designed and approved by the IEEE Board of Directors so as not to interfere with any of the IEEE Societies/Technical Councils' initiatives and allows them to have the flexibility to develop their own terms with the National/Sister Society. IEEE Corporate Activities will draft the NSA and ensure that the appropriate discounts appear on members' payments.
  	A periodic report of existing agreements is sent to the Board of Directors, Member and Geographic Activities and Technical Activities Boards by IEEE Corporate Activities