The Scientific Affairs Committee (SAC) consists of twelve (12) appointed members, including the chairperson, plus the President-elect as an ex-officio member. Each appointed member serves a two-year term, with half rotating off every two years. The appointed members of SAC should be representative of the broader ISSX membership, including but not limited to geographical region and affiliation (academia, industry, regulatory agencies). The President may consider appointing organizers of recent Society meetings as ex-officio committee members.

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.

The Duties of the Scientific Affairs Committee are to:

• Work with Council and the ISSX administration to initiate and plan meetings of the Society.
• Develop with Council and the ISSX administration a specific plan and calendar for the next five years' regional and international meetings.
• Review the scientific content of Society meetings and provide feedback to Meeting Organizing Committees (MOCs) and Council.
• Formally review meeting guidelines with MOC chairs and actively manage deviations from desired practice.
• Ensure that experiences from past/current MOC chairs are communicated to new MOC Chairs.
• Monitor the timing of non-ISSX conferences in potential conflict with the scheduling of ISSX meetings.
• Coordinate participation by the Society in other relevant scientific meetings as approved by Council.
• Engage the Council effectively in strategic initiatives such as partnership with other meetings (e.g. MDO, JSSX and CSSX).
• Review requests for meeting support from other societies and organizations for recommendation to Council.
• Liaise with the Membership Affairs Committee to identify potential nominees for Society awards for recommendation to the Awards Committee.
• Maintain appropriate communication with relevant committees, especially CORA and Membership Affairs.
• Other functions related to scientific affairs as requested by Council.