To be eligible for nomination or appointment to an executive position, a candidate must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Active Membership

•  Must hold current membership in good standing for at least 12 consecutive months prior to nomination.
• For founding members during the Society’s formative years, a demonstrated track record of involvement may substitute for this requirement.

2. Academic and Scientific Credentials

3. Demonstrated Commitment to the Society

•  Actively contribute to the Society’s activities, initiatives, or publications (e.g., the AROC Journal).
•  Must have participated in at least two major Society programs or initiatives in the past 24 months.

4. Proven Scientific Excellence

Candidates must exhibit distinguished achievements in their fields, evidenced by one or more of the following:

• Prestigious research grants, national/international awards, or fellowships.
• Patents, commercial innovations, or landmark contributions to science and technology.
• Leadership of impactful academic or industrial research programs.
•  Authorship of influential peer-reviewed scientific publications, policy briefs, or white papers.

5. Leadership Experience

• Prior leadership roles in academic institutions, research organizations, industry, scientific societies, or government.
•  Demonstrated capacity to drive strategy, manage teams, and advocate for African science on global platforms.

6. Knowledge Dissemination and Public Engagement

•  Active dissemination of knowledge through scientific journals, public lectures, policy engagement, or science communication platforms (e.g., blogs, media, social media).
•  Commitment to mentorship, education, or public scientific literacy in African or global contexts.

7. Ethical Conduct

• Exhibit the highest standards of integrity, collegiality, and adherence to the IASS Code of Ethics.
• Must have no record of scientific misconduct, financial impropriety, or legal violations.

8. Jurisdictional and Operational Compliance

• Reside in a country that permits participation in international academic and nonprofit entities.
•  Must have reliable digital communication access to fulfill responsibilities.

Disqualification Criteria:

A candidate shall be disqualified from executive nomination if any of the following apply:

•  Proven cases of plagiarism, data fabrication, or scientific fraud
•  Suspension or expulsion from any professional, academic, or regulatory body
•  Documented failure to fulfill prior leadership obligations
•  Non-payment of membership dues or chronic inactivity
•  Any condition that materially limits availability or ethical suitability for office.