Approved COREs
ISCAR’s COREs/Executive Orders are reviewed, revalidated and renumbered every successive period of office of the Executive, whereon previous Executive Orders expire.
The current valid COREs are listed below.
CORE No. 41
As per Article 44 and Standing Order VII, the Executive Committee may issue Executive Orders, as regulated in the Articles and Standing Orders. ISCAR, because of the highly democratic values it advocates, has chosen to replace the usual legal term Executive Orders with Executive Committee Resolutions (COREs).
● This CORE comes into effect on June 10, 2025.
● Expiration date: 30th of November 202
CORE No. 42: Financial and Registry Location
As per Articles 18 and 19, the Executive Committee is responsible for governing the Association and its financial transactions. Thus, the Executive Committee unanimously resolved to take actions toward the transfer of the ISCAR bank account from Denmark to Finland because of a requirement to have a member of the executive domiciled in the same country as the account. This requires that the association is formally registered in Finland.
● ● This CORE comes into effect on June 10, 2025.
● Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No. 43: Formats of Members’ Meetings
As per Article 12, Members’ Meetings are convened by the Executive Committee. The Articles, as they stand, do not specify the format of the Members’ Meeting. The Executive Committee unanimously resolved that Members’ Meetings can be held in person, in hybrid format or entirely online. The hybrid and online format will ensure maximum inclusivity and accessibility independent from the geographical location and economic situation of the members. The Executive Committee will ensure that in all Members’ meetings everyone voting are appropriately registered by means of the platform function in use.
● This CORE comes into effect on June 10, 2025.
● Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No. 44: Membership Service
The Executive Committee is responsible to:
● provide a possibility for persons to register as members or be reinstated after a lapsed membership
● provide at least three reminders for persons to pay their membership contribution, if they are due
● provide possibilities to pay the membership contribution
● provide possibilities to deposit these contributions in the Association’s bank account
● maintain a membership database, including:
● registering new members into the database
● updating member address information
● removing members
● seek and maintain membership benefits
● communicate about membership benefits to members
● answer queries from members concerning their membership status and payment procedures
● answer queries from members concerning membership benefits
● handle other queries from members
The Executive Committee may delegate responsibility for some or all of these tasks, but ultimate responsibility for their adequate performance rests with the Executive Committee.
• This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
• Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No. 45: IT Resources
The Executive Committee is responsible for ensuring that the following information technology resources are provided:
● web server
● mailing lists
● databases (members, congress participants, payments)
The domain name iscar.org is owned by the Association. At all times, the website management system must be accessible to the Executive Committee and maintainable by it. The Executive Committee may delegate responsibility for this provision, but ultimate responsibility for adequate service rests with the Committee.
• This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
• Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No. 46: Communication Resources
The Executive Committee is responsible for:
● publishing regularly a newsletter
● maintaining and updating the Association website
● providing mailing lists for the organisation business
● providing mailing lists for member activities, especially sections
● providing some space, as technically feasible for the Executive Committee, on the webpage for sections
• This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
• Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No. 47: Congress Policy
ISCAR holds an international Congress every third year.
Congress Language
The Congress language is English and all abstracts must be submitted in English. The local organising committee may also introduce other languages into the Congress, but these sessions should be clearly marked in the program. The way these sessions will operate in both English and any additional language(s) should be clearly explained. If the main language of the Congress location is not English, the congress organisers are encouraged to provide simultaneous translation for keynote speeches and other main events.
Selection of the Congress Organizing Committee
The Executive Committee, based on Article 30, delegates responsibility for organizing the ISCAR Congress to a ‘local organizing committee’ of one or more persons.
Ideally, this appointment should occur at least 30 months before the next Congress..
The appointment must be made no later than two years before the planned date of the next Congress
The Executive Committee acknowledges the difficulties in finding an able and willing person (or group) to organize the Congress, as well as a suitable location and infrastructure. This is the first consideration in choosing a ‘local organizing committee.’
If more than one person/group is interested, factors such as cost, geographic distribution, and the locations of previous congresses can be taken into account.
Selection of the Congress Organizing Committee is made by consensus within the Executive Committee. If a consensus cannot be reached, a vote will be taken by simple majority.
Practical Organisation
As part of delegating responsibility to the Congress Organizing Committee, the Executive Committee appoints a single person as the formal representative between the local organizing committee and the Executive Committee. This person will work work with the Congress President to ensure that the Congress is organized in ways that uphold the spirit and traditions of previous ISCAR Congresses.
The local organizing committee has complete freedom in appointing other members to help with organisation.
The organizing committee should ask the Executive Committee for advice and support and it should consult with the Executive Committee about the keynote speakers.
Congress Themes
Recognizing the diversity of the theoretical and substantive interests found within ISCAR, the Executive Committee wants to provide a process for members to inform the organisers about possible relevant themes. The following procedure will be used:
No later than two years before the next Congress, a general call for thematic proposals will be issued to all ISCAR sections.
Each national or regional section should submit its proposals to the relevant member of the Executive Committee, while each of the thematic sections should submit its proposals to the Vice-President.
Each Executive Committee member should be active in soliciting members’ views in their region.
The Vice-President is responsible for collecting all the proposals together and submitting them to the Congress organisers, no later than 22 months before the planned date of the Congress.
The organising Committee must submit a draft proposal for the Congress themes to the Executive Committee, no later than 20 months before the Congress.
The Executive Committee may give comments no later than one month after receiving the proposal. The comments are important for the organizing of the Congress. The organizing committee will make the final decision about the Congress themes in consultation with the Executive Committee.
Congress Structure
By collaborative decision, the Congress President and the Organising Committee, with the support of the Executive Committee if needed, are free to organize the Congress as they see fit, including, but not limited to: number of days, structure of the sessions, invited sessions and choice of keynote speakers. The congress organisers should offer the opportunity of an invited session to each of the regions, and announce these invited sessions in the congress program.
Educational Activities
The local organizing committee is encouraged to call for proposals for educational activities (workshops, doctoral courses, and similar events) to be held before and/or after the Congress.
Publication Activities
The local organizing committee is encouraged to plan to publish at least one edited volume of selected papers from the Congress, taking into consideration also open access publications and repositories.
Financial Organisation
The Congress must be self-supporting (i.e., its budget should be funded by the Congress fees and/or additional funds the Congress Organizing Committee can raise).
Membership Reduction at Congresses
Valid membership entitles participants in the congress to the reduced fee determined for ISCAR members.
• This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
• Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE n. 48: Relying on a Former ISCAR President as an Advisor
In case an ISCAR President is not re-elected as an Executive Committee member, the new Executive Committee may rely on him/her as its advisor for the duration the Executive Committee considers necessary and the former President considers acceptable. The agreement of at least two-thirds of the new Executive Committee members is required for this decision to be taken.
• This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
• Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No. 49: Website Policy
The main purpose of the Association website is to support the work of the Association, as a central organisation, which is aimed at supporting scientific communication among its members, and to support communication with other scientific organisations, where much of the scientific activity within the Association is initiated and supported at local, national, and regional levels.
The minimal functions to be provided on the Association website are:
● information about membership
● information about membership benefits
● current information about the activities of the Association
● guidance on current information about section activities
● historical information about the Association and its precursors
● information about affiliated journals and other selected publications
Specific projects (e.g., reference databases, document databases) will be conceived as local or individual projects, initiated by members, though it may be appropriate for the Executive Committee (e.g., through the newsletter) to inform members about and/or support such projects.
The Executive Committee can delegate to a “Website Working Group” or the Secretary for Communication and Visibility the task of overseeing additional activities and functions beyond those mentioned here, but such activities and functions must be approved by the Executive Committee before implementation.
• This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
• Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No.50: ISCAR Service Medal
Purpose
To acknowledge significant contribution in creating and/or supporting material conditions within the Association’s purpose as described in Article 3 (‘promote and develop multidisciplinary theoretical and empirical research on societal, cultural and historical dimensions of human practices’).
Award
An award to a member is a symbolic gift (such as an engraved medal). The member will be recognized for the contributions as described in Article 3 and will receive a letter of recognition.
Eligibility
The proposed person has made a significant contribution to promoting or sustaining the research community that has historically been actively involved in ISCAR. Examples of significant contributions might include newsletter editing, congress organisation, doctoral course organisation, hosting visiting researchers, development and/or maintenance of web-based resources, compilation and/or editing of significant texts. For purposes of the medal, ‘significant contribution’ would consist of two or more of these activities.
The person proposed has not previously received a Service Medal.
Selection Process
Nominations (including self-nominations) should be sent to the Executive Committee. Members of the Executive Committee may also nominate persons.
Nominations can be made at any time.
The nomination should include a short account (usually no more than 1/2 page) that indicates the nominee’s contribution.
To be considered for the coming Congress, nominations must be received no later than six weeks before the first announced deadline for paper submissions.
The Executive Committee is the sole and final judge of whether the eligibility criteria are fulfilled and whether to award any medals.
For a given Congress, more than one medal may be awarded.
For a given Congress, the Executive Committee may decide not to award any medals.
If nominations are received, the Executive Committee is obligated only to report whether or not any medals have been awarded.
Practical considerations
A nomination may be received by any member of the Executive Committee. The recipient will forward the nomination to all members of the Executive for their consideration (usually via email list). A discussion will be held, and a decision must be made by at least two-thirds of the group for an award to be made. The Secretary will inform the Congress Organising Committee so that an award ceremony may be scheduled into the Congress program. A letter/certificate will be drafted by the Secretary, which includes the purpose (Article 3) of the award, and this will be presented to the recipient at the Congress. The information on the nomination will be read out at the Congress during the award ceremony.
• This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
• Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No. 51: Membership Contributions
Membership Rates
The ISCAR membership contribution is per calendar year.
Individuals and institutions can join ISCAR as via Ordinary Membership or Institutional Membership with a regular or reduced (student) fee. The fees are instrumental to generate grants for members who could otherwise not join ISCAR International and Regional Conferences to present their work.
Ordinary Membership is on an individual basis and the fee is 35/20€ per year.
Institutional Membership is open to institutions on an individual basis and the fee is 300/200€ per year for up to 10 regular members/students.
Membership fees are intended for the calendar year in which the payment took place. It is also possible to join ISCAR with Regular or Reduced 3-year membership (85€/60€ for Ordinary Members and 255€/180€ for Institutional Members).
ISCAR Treasurer Margarida Romero welcomes possible queries on membership: margarida.romero@iiia.csic.es
A free or further reduced 1-year membership is also possible. To apply for this, please make your case in writing to the ISCAR Treasurer, who will bring the application with her related proposal to the Executive Board.
The criterion for granting a further reduced fee or awarding a free membership is a low income or circumstances in which exchange rates and/or the applicant's income make ISCAR fees excessive relative to the applicant's income.
Exemptions and Exceptions
Members who are unable to pay their contributions using the existing methods may apply to the Treasurer for an exceptional arrangement. A friend or colleague in another country could, for instance, make the payment on their behalf.
• This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
• Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No. 52: Updating the Website
It is the responsibility of the ISCAR Secretary for Communication and Visibility to ensure that the website content is up to date. Updates will occur regularly, potentially once per month, or when activities are reported for inclusion on the website.
It is the responsibility of the ISCAR Secretary for Communication and Visibility to update content immediately after each Congress, when the configuration of the Executive Committee may change, when the contact details of an executive member change, when a newsletter is published, and when decisions are made by the Executive that require amendments to documents on the website, such as updating COREs. In addition, the ISCAR Secretary or their nominee will post relevant information from the Sections on the website.
The ISCAR Secretary for Communication and Visibility will upload changes ASAP, but preferably within a two-week period. This will ensure that the website is upgraded in any given 30-day period.
• This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
• Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No. 53: Grants to Participate in ISCAR Congresses
ISCAR as an organisation seeks to provide additional support to ISCAR members and researchers who are interested in ISCAR and wish to attend the Congress and would not otherwise be able to attend. In line with this important principle, ISCAR may offer grants for researchers who would like to participate in the ISCAR Congress and do not have enough funds. The grants may cover registration fees, accommodation during the congress, and travel costs.
Interested applicants should have adequate research and communication skills and work in one of the research fields that are described in the ISCAR flyer. Applications will be evaluated based on their contribution to Congress. Long-standing membership of ISCAR is desirable but not crucial. The ISCAR Executive Committee, in coordination with the local Congress organisers may appoint an external committee or adjunct committee members, which will set the criteria for the evaluation of applications and organize the whole process for the selection of scholars. One PhD student or early career researcher should participate in the decision-making process.
Applications should include:
● A paper accepted to be presented at the Congress.
● A brief letter describing the applicant’s job and financial situation, including income details. In addition, the applicant should provide details on how attending the ISCAR Congress will be beneficial and the impact it will have on the applicant’s future work.
● A short CV, which will include information on previous participation in conferences, the applicant’s full contact details and contact details. For PhD students or early-career researchers, two local professors should serve as referees. If the applicant and/or the referee has a webpage in any language, this information should be provided.
● Details of membership history with ISCAR
● Other information as defined by the External Committee
The relevance and quality of the proposal and the applicant’s profile, as well as the hardship of his/her financial situation, will be evaluated.
• This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
• Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No. 54: Events for PhD Students and Early Career Researchers
ISCAR recognises the need to provide support to PhD students and early-career researchers who share an interest in ISCAR-related topics. ISCAR prioritizes support for the activities of PhD students and early-career researchers. In line with the principles of ISCAR scholars' theories and methodologies, ISCAR approves the active, non-hierarchical participation of PhD students and early-career researchers in all ISCAR-related local and international events. At the same time, ISCAR understands the need for PhD students and early-career researchers to create and participate in their own networks and discuss common problems related to writing a thesis or beginning an academic career, as well as the exchange of ideas and resources beyond the borders of local groups or national sections in which the students and early-career researchers might participate and be trained. ISCAR also wants to minimize the distance between established scholars and PhD students and early-career researchers, as well as between researchers from the majority and minoritized communities.
In this sense:
● ISCAR supports the organisation of PhD students and early-career researchers within ISCAR and their active participation in ISCAR's business. Where possible, ISCAR will provide information platforms and technologies to facilitate this kind of organisation.
● ISCAR supports the organisation of events, PhD and early-career researchers’ meetings and workshops at both at the local and international levels. These events should encourage learning by doing and active participation. These events should also thematically reflect the diversity of ISCAR-related approaches, encourage the generation of new ideas and new forms of theory and practice, and enable interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary dialogues.
● Such events should be inclusive in terms of class, disability, gender, colour, ethnicity/race, and age-related differences and, if possible, enable interaction in different languages. In very practical terms such events should have very low fees, and if possible, provide free or low cost accommodation to participants. Alternatively, these events can also take place virtually or in hybrid format.
● Such events should also provide (at least some) spaces for informal, direct interaction between established ISCAR scholars and PhD students/early-career researchers, as well as between researchers from different countries.
● Such events can take place regularly, if possible, more than once per year on different continents.
● On the basis of these principles, the ISCAR Executive Committee delegates responsibility to the hosts or organisers of these events to organize them as they consider best. The local organizing committee is welcome to ask the Executive Committee for advice and support, but is not obligated to consult with it. Such events should be self-supporting (i.e., their budgets should be funded by local universities and research entities, or by any additional funds the organizing committee can raise).
● To enable immediate interaction between the Executive Committee and PhD students/early career researchers, at least one member of the Executive Committee will be encouraged to participate in such an event. Because the ISCAR Executive Committee self-funds its travel, there is no guarantee that an Executive Committee member will be able to attend these events.
● The local organizing committee is encouraged to plan to publish at least one special issue of a journal with selected papers from the event.
● This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
● Expiration date: 30th of November 202
CORE No. 55: Economic Support for Association Activities
ISCAR as an organisation seeks to promote and develop multidisciplinary theoretical and empirical research on societal, cultural and historical dimensions of human practices.
Four categories of activities may be supported when feasible, are:
● Thematic symposiums or regional meetings between conferences
● Invited regional and thematic sessions at the ISCAR Congress
● Meeting of the Executive Committee between ISCAR Congresses
● Congress registration fees for the Executive Committee
Organisation and Administration
The Executive Committee may appoint an external committee to formulate evaluation criteria.
If and when an external committee is selected, it will formulate criteria for evaluating applications, which must be approved by two-thirds of the Executive Committee.
The external committee evaluates applications and makes recommendations to the Executive Committee.
Applications can be sent two times a year by August 5th and by January 5th and will be evaluated within two months by the external committee and approved by at least two-thirds of the Executive Committee.
Thematic symposiums and regional meetings
To gain support, these symposiums and meetings have to be open to all ISCAR members.
Applications must include:
● A short thematic description of the purpose and content of the meeting
● A plan for how the meeting will be organised
● A budget for the meeting, with a specific funding request to ISCAR.
ISCAR will consider requests for funds:
● For accommodation and meeting costs
● ISCAR will not provide full funding for a meeting.
Executive Committee Meetings
Any Executive Committee meetings held between Congresses should include a thematic symposium. In cases where Executive Committee meetings are held during face-to-face Congress meetings, Executive Committee members who are unable to get support from their home organisation for travel and accommodation may request support from the Executive Committee.
ISCAR Congress Participation
The Congress fee for ISCAR Executive Committee members may be paid by ISCAR, if feasible, as a token of appreciation by the organisation for their work during the term in service.
● This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
● Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.
CORE No.56: Establishment and Recognition Process for New ISCAR Regional Sections
Recognizing the fundamental role of regional sections in fulfilling ISCAR's purpose as stated in Article 4—to promote scientific communication and research cooperation at local, national, and regional levels—this CORE establishes a clear and supportive pathway for their creation.
In accordance with Article 44, which empowers the Executive Committee to act in situations not explicitly detailed in the Articles and Standing Orders, and with due consideration for the resources allocated to sections in CORE No. 46, the following procedure is adopted:
Step 1. Demonstration of Local Interest and Need
Key Actions:
- Identify and connect with at least 5-10 interested ISCAR members in the proposed region.
- Survey them to understand common research interests and needs.
- Draft a brief statement of purpose outlining why a regional section is needed.
Rationale and ISCAR Alignment:
This step provides concrete evidence of an active community and a clear demand. It aligns with Article 4, which lists promoting communication and research at "local, national, regional levels" as a key means to achieve ISCAR's purpose. It demonstrates to the Executive Committee (EC) that the proposed section would be viable and member-driven.
Step 2. Development of a Preliminary Proposal
Key Actions:
- Clearly define the geographical scope of the proposed section.
- Propose a simple, initial organisational structure (e.g., a regional coordinator, a communications contact).
- Outline 2-3 planned activities for the first year (e.g., a virtual seminar series, a proposal-writing workshop, a regional networking event).
Rationale and ISCAR Alignment:
A structured proposal demonstrates seriousness and reduces the administrative burden on the EC. By planning activities that "promote and develop... research" (Article 3), the proposal directly supports ISCAR's core mission, making it easier for the EC to endorse it.
Step 3. Seeking Informal Guidance
Key Actions:
- Identify and contact the relevant Executive Committee member for the broad geographic region (per the regional representation system in Standing Orders for Article 20).
- Present the ideas from Steps 1 and 2 in a concise format and seek their advice on the process.
Rationale and ISCAR Alignment:
This is a critical diplomatic step. It builds a relationship with a key decision-maker, shows respect for the EC's governance role, and allows for early incorporation of feedback. It operates under the EC's broad authority in Article 44 to manage situations not explicitly covered by the rules.
Step 4. Formalizing and Submitting the Proposal
Key Actions:
- Prepare a formal, concise proposal (1-2 pages) including the demonstrated member interest, purpose, structure, and activity plan.
- Explicitly request official recognition and the standard support outlined in CORE No. 46 (e.g., a dedicated mailing list, space on the webpage).
- Submit the proposal to the ISCAR President and Secretary (the key administrative officers per Articles 25 and 26).
Rationale and ISCAR Alignment:
A formal submission creates a clear item for the EC's agenda. By requesting resources already mandated for sections in CORE No. 46, the proposal ties directly to existing policy, framing it as a logical implementation of current rules rather than a request for new ones.
Step 5. Piloting an Activity (Optional)
Key Actions:
- Organize a small, unofficial activity (e.g., an online reading group, a focused webinar) for the region's members.
- Invite the EC member contacted in Step 3 to attend or briefly address the group.
- Document the outcomes (attendance, feedback, discussed ideas) to include with the formal proposal.
Rationale and ISCAR Alignment:
This step provides undeniable proof of concept. It shows initiative, organisational capability, and the tangible value the section can provide immediately. It transforms the proposal from a theoretical idea into a demonstrated success, significantly de-risking the decision for the EC.
Step 6. Establishing an Interim Coordination and Planning for Transition
Key Actions:
- After formal approval of the proposal, designate (by members’ vote, if feasible, or by consensus or appointment) an Interim Coordinator to lead the section's initial development.
- Define a clear mandate: the interim coordinator serves pro tempore, until the next ISCAR international event (congress or major regional conference).
- Assign responsibilities to the interim coordinator, including: facilitating communication among members, organizing the first official activities, and preparing for a future formal election process.
- Where possible, build a small interim team representing different countries and thematic interests within the region to ensure broad participation from the outset.
Rationale and ISCAR Alignment:
This step creates a clear governance bridge between the founding group and the future democratically elected leadership, ensuring continuity and institutional memory. It aligns with Article 4, which emphasizes promoting organized collaboration and communication at regional levels. By establishing an interim structure and planning for a formal transition at the next international event (in line with the process for Regional Coordinators in the Standing Orders for Article 22), the section demonstrates foresight, sustainability, and respect for democratic governance principles. This reduces the risk of organisational drift and reinforces the section's legitimacy within ISCAR's broader framework.
● This CORE comes into effect on June 11, 2026.
● Expiration date: 30th of November 2027.