The Scientific Affairs Committee consists of thirteen members: four from the Americas region, four from the Asia/Pacific region, four from the European region, and the President-elect as an ex-officio member. The President may consider appointing organizers of Society meetings as temporary committee members. Each member serves a four-year term on the committee, with half the members rotating off every two years.

The Scientific Affairs Committee initiates and plans meetings of the Society, coordinates participation by the Society in other relevant scientific meetings as approved by Council, ensures that a specific plan for the next five years' regional and international meetings is in place, and develops a general plan for the subsequent five years of meeting.

Specific Charge: The Scientific Affairs Committee obtains Council approval for a five year calendar of meetings and drafts a calendar for the next five years. It formally reviews meeting guidelines with MOC chairs and actively manages deviations from desired practice. Committee members interface with MOC's and CORA and provide program input and guidance. The committee maintains appropriate communication with relevant committees, engages the Council effectively in strategic initiatives such as partnership with other meetings, e.g. DMW, MDO, and PRIMO, ensures that learnings from past/current MOC chairs are communicated to new MOC Chairs and develops written policies to develop institutional memory.

Chair: Allan Rettie – Focus on International, North American and European regional meetings, developing and driving the committee agenda, interaction with MOCs.

Liaison to Council: John Miners – Support chair in orienting new members, focus on Asia Pacific regional calendar, assure timely dialog with Council.