Scientific Council Policy
The International Physical Therapy Academy Scientific Council Policy
The Scientific Council of the International Physical Therapy Academy (IPTA) is a vital component of the IPTA, responsible for overseeing and advancing the scientific aspects of the IPTA.
1) Description: The Scientific Council of IPTA comprises esteemed professionals and experts in the field of physical therapy, including researchers, academicians, and practitioners.
2)Tasks and objectives:
A.Research Oversight: The council oversees and facilitates research initiatives within
the IPTA, including identifying key areas for research, providing guidance on research methodologies, and promoting collaboration among Researchers.
B.Evidence-based Practice: It is responsible for promoting the integration of the latest
scientific evidence into clinical practice. This involves critically evaluating research findings and disseminating evidence-based guidelines to practitioners.
C.Educational Initiatives: The council contributes to the development of educational
programs and resources aimed at enhancing the scientific knowledge and skills of physical therapy professionals.
D.Publication and Dissemination: It may be involved in the review and publication of
scientific journals, as well as the dissemination of important research findings to the broader physical therapy community.
E.Collaborations and Partnerships: The council may engage in partnerships and
collaborations with other scientific organizations, universities, and research institutions to further the scientific goals of IPTA.
F.Advancing Professional Standards: It plays a role in setting and promoting high
standards for scientific inquiry and practice within the field of physical therapy.
G.Executive tasks:
G-1) Provide scientific oversight for all affairs of the IPTA.
G-2) Support the Executive Board in promoting and enhancing the reach of the Academy, its programs, and the successful attainment of its objectives.
G-3) Review and approve the academy's annual scientific work plan, as submitted by the board.
G-4) Approve annual scientific performance reports.
G-5) Grant authorization to the board for issuing certificates for all academy programs.
G-6) Ensure that the curricula preparation and review committees operate independently,
and require them to submit their reports and outputs to the Council.
G-7) Develop research policies and actively promote research projects.
G-8) Assist the Board in various scientific committees for different programs and projects.
G-9) Grant the final approvals for the results, curricula, and academic hours/points earned by programs.
G-10) Formulation and proposal of regulations and laws that regulate its work, along with
any supplementary regulations concerning scientific affairs.
G-11) Council members are under no obligation to provide training programs for the betterment of the Academy. However, should they desire to contribute in this manner, the Board will facilitate the necessary arrangements, in accordance with the regulations governing training programs, to effectively organize and conduct these programs.
3. Selection of the council members: The process for selecting scientific council members for the International Physical Therapy Academy (IPTA) involves several steps to ensure that the council comprises individuals with the necessary expertise, experience, and dedication to furthering the scientific objectives of the IPTA.
The selection process may include the following steps:
A.Nomination: The process begins with a call for nominations from within the IPTA membership and the broader physical therapy community. Nominations open to professionals with diverse backgrounds, including researchers, academicians, and practitioners.
B.Application and Documentation: Interested individuals required to submit their applications, along with supporting documentation such as a curriculum vitae, a statement of their contributions to the field.
C.Review and Shortlisting: A dedicated committee, comprising board members or appointed reviewers, may review the applications and documentation to shortlist candidates who best meet the established criteria.
D.Final Selection: Following the review and assessment process, the IPTA board will make the final selection of new scientific council members to the leadership of IPTA.
E.Announcement and Onboarding: Once the final selections are made, the newly appointed council members are announced to the IPTA membership and the broader Physiotherapy community.
4. Criteria of Assessment: A set of criteria are used for evaluating potential candidates such as:
A.Expertise in specific areas of physical therapy.
B.Research experience.
C.Publication record.
D.Contributions to the field.
E.Any additional criteria set by the board.
5. Operational Regulations for the Council: it ensures the effective functioning of the council and the achievement of its scientific objectives. Including:
A) Regular Meetings: The frequency of regular meetings of the Scientific Council Is
Quarterly to discuss scientific initiatives, research progress, and strategic planning.
B) Urgent Meetings: The CEO or the Council President, upon notifying the CEO, possesses the authority to convene an emergency meeting to address urgent matters.
C)Agenda Setting: The meeting agendas should be determined and shared with council members by the Council President at least one month prior to the meeting date. This will provide ample time for council members to review the agenda and propose any necessary edits or new agenda items within one week of its sharing.
D)Quorum Requirements: The minimum number of council members required to be
present to constitute a quorum for official decision-making during meetings is 50% + 1 member
E)The Council convenes through either an in-person meeting, provided that the necessary resources are available through the Board, or a remote meeting.
F)Collaborative Projects: The proposal of collaborative projects with external organizations, research institutions, or industry partners should be detailed, including the evaluation of potential partnerships and the negotiation of terms by the council.
G) Decision-Making Processes: based on a majority vote.
H) Reporting and Documentation: Council should maintain documentation of meeting minutes, research progress reports, and scientific activities may be established to ensure transparency and accountability within the council. The Council President appoints one of its members to perform this task.
I)The CEO convenes the inaugural meeting of the Council, where they either appoint the President of the Scientific Council or initiate a direct election among the Council members to determine the President.
J)The CEO & CAO entitled to attend all meetings of the Scientific Council.
K)The Scientific Council does not possess any executive authority; instead, it carries out all its executive actions through the board.
L) Scientific Presentations: the council has the capacity for the presentation and discussion of scientific findings, research updates, and innovative practices during council meetings, fostering knowledge exchange and critical appraisal.
6. Scientific Research: The Council should establish a compact scientific research committee responsible for overseeing all aspects of scientific research. This committee will collaborate with the Council to establish the appropriate regulations governing its operations, which should include: procedures for the review and approval of research proposals, including ethical considerations, funding allocation, and collaboration opportunities.
7. Rights:
A)Access to Information:
A-1: The right to receive timely and relevant information about IPTA initiatives, events, resources, and updates.
A-2: Access to educational materials, research findings, and publications shared by
the IPTA.
B)Collaboration and Networking:
B-1: The right to participate in networking opportunities within the IPTA community.
B-2: The opportunity to collaborate with physiotherapy professionals from different countries, exchange knowledge, and foster professional relationships.
C)Engagement and Involvement:
C-1: The right to actively engage in IPTA initiatives, committees, or working groups.
C-2: The opportunity to contribute ideas, insights, and expertise to shape the direction
and activities of the IPTA.
D)Recognition and Appreciation:
D-1: The right to be recognized and appreciated for their contributions.
D-2: Acknowledgment of their efforts in promoting the profession, fostering collaboration, and advancing physiotherapy education and practice globally.
8. Compensations & Entitlements:
A) In compliance with the financial policy, IPTA holds no liability for any payments or compensations towards board, committees and councils members and other committees associated with IPTA.
B) IPTA is responsible for providing round-trip tickets and appropriate hotel accommodations, including meals, for council members who attend meetings organized by IPTA in a foreign country, separate from their country of residence.
C) IPTA is responsible for providing round-trip tickets and suitable hotel accommodations, along with meals, to council members assigned by IPTA to carry out missions outside their home country, excluding training missions.
9. Policy terms definitions:
A) Council: The scientific council of IPTA.
B) Board: Executive board of IPTA.
C) Academy: The International Physical Therapy Academy IPTA.
D) CEO: The Chief Executive officer of IPTA.
E) CAO: The Chief Administrative officer of IPTA.
