MBirSA Membership Application

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MBirSA Membership Application Form

Please complete the following form to apply for membership in MBirSA.

Membership Category (please select one): *

Applicant Information

For Biorepository/Institutional Membership:
Name of Biorepository/Institution *
Position/Title *
Primary Contact Person *
Email Address *
Phone Number
Physical Address *
Number of Affiliated Biorepositories (if institutional) *
Brief Description of Activities (e.g., focus of research, types of specimens
stored) *
For Individual/Associate Membership:
Professional Title / Affiliation *
Full Name *
Email Address *
Phone Number *
Location (City, Country) *
Brief Statement of Interest in MBirSA and Biorepositories (max 150 words) *

Supporting Documentation (as applicable)

Please attach the following:
Proof of ethical and regulatory compliance (for biorepositories/institutions) *
Maximum file size: 1 GB
Letter of institutional support (for institutional applications) *
Maximum file size: 1 GB
CV or brief bio (for individual/associate members) *
Maximum file size: 1 GB

Declaration

I hereby apply for membership in (MBirSA) and confirm that:
The information provided is accurate and complete.
I/we agree to uphold MBirSA’s principles, Constitution, and governance policies.
I/we understand that membership may be terminated in accordance with MBirSA’s
governance framework.

Signature *
Clear
Name *
Date

The personal information provided in this application will be processed solely for
purposes associated with your membership of MBiRSA. This includes maintaining
accurate membership records, communicating with members, and facilitating
participation in MBiRSA activities. All personal information will be processed in
compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA), and will
not be used for any unrelated purposes or shared with third parties without your
consent, unless required by law.

MBirSA Membership

1. Introduction

This document sets out the governance framework for membership to the Medical Biorepositories of South Africa (MBirSA). It defines membership categories, eligibility criteria, the application process, rights and responsibilities, and terms of membership. This governance structure aims to ensure inclusive, equitable, and transparent participation in MBirSA’s activities, in alignment with its mission to support ethical, effective, and sustainable biorepositories in South Africa.

2. Categories of Membership

MBirSA offers four categories of membership:

  1. Biorepository membership
  2. Institutional membership
  3. Individual membership
  4. Associate members
  5. Observer status

2.1 Biorepository Membership

Biorepository membership is open to any biorepository operating within South Africa that supports and aligns with MBirSA’s principles and objectives.

Rights of membership

  • Eligibility to nominate representatives to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Opportunity to comment on and vote on any MBirSA consensus statements or other MBirSA policies developed.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • Appointing a designated representative to engage with MBirSA on behalf of the biorepository.
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the biorepository website.

2.2 Institutional Membership

Institutional membership is open to South African institutions (e.g., universities, research councils, hospitals) that oversee or house multiple biorepositories.

Becoming a member:

  • The institution applies as a single entity and designates a primary liaison.
  • All biorepositories under the institution’s auspices automatically fall under the membership.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate representatives to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities of membership:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • Oversight of affiliated biorepositories’ compliance with MBirSA principles
  • Facilitation of internal coordination and communication with MBirSA.
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the institution’s website.

2.3 Individual Membership

Individual membership is open to professionals, researchers, ethicists, policy experts, or community advocates with a demonstrated interest in medical biorepositories in South Africa.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate themselves to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).

2.4 Associate Membership

Associate membership is open to individuals or institutions located outside South Africa who support the aims of MBirSA and wish to collaborate or contribute to its work.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate themselves to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the website.

2.5 Observer status

A biorepository and/or institution that may be considering membership, can join as an observer for one year only.

Rights of observer status:

  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of observer status membership fees (if applicable).
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the website.

3. Application and Admission Process

  1. Applicants must complete the official MBirSA membership application form and submit any supporting documentation as required.
  2. All applications are reviewed by the MBirSA Steering Committee for decision.
  3. Successful applicants will receive formal notification and a welcome package, including the MBirSA Constitution and any applicable membership fees.

4. Duration and Renewal of Membership

Membership remains valid until such time as either the member or MBirSA chooses to terminate it, subject to continued eligibility, active engagement, and payment of membership fees (if applicable).

5. Termination or Suspension of Membership

Membership may be suspended or terminated if:

  • The member is found to be in serious breach of MBirSA’s Constitution or Code of Conduct by the Steering Committee.
  • The biorepository or institution is no longer operational.
  • The member voluntarily withdraws from MBirSA in writing.

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