Join IOS

The International Organization for Succulent Plant Study (IOS) was established to promote the study of succulent and allied plants and to encourage international cooperation amongst those interested in them. The IOS is a Commission of the International Union of Biological Sciences and seeks to achive its goal through biennial international congresses, working sessions and its Bulletin. It is also a strong advocate of conservation and has an extensive Code of Conduct. The Board believes the IOS can play a significant role in providing researchers with the opportunity to share ideas and to support one another in their research activities.

The IOS comprises several categories of members. Section Members are those who are currently engaged in the scientific study of succulent plants and who belong to one or more sections that reflect "their interests and the various disciplines relevant to succulent plant research". This category is not intended to create an 'exclusive club' but rather to provide active researchers the opportunity to work together. At present, there are the following Sections: Aizoaceae, Apocynaceae, Asphodelaceae, Cactaceae, Conservation, and Ecology. Those persons wishing to become Section Members are asked to submit an application, a personal resumé, and a list of publications. This information will be forwarded to the Coordinators (who are also Board Members) of the sections to which the applicant wishes to belong. To hold a professional position as scientist, curator, etc., in a botanical institute, garden, or municipal collection, is not an essential qualification; however, it is hoped that all prospective section members should be in a position to contribute regularly to sectional meetings by presenting a paper, report, or discussion topic if in attendance, or by sending copies of published papers or reports on research in progress to the Sectional Coordinator.

A second category of membership is the Non-Sectional Membership. These are individuals who are not actively engaged in research on succulent plants but who wish to support the work of others and to keep abreast of activities within the Organization. They are eligible to attend IOS meetings and to receive all publications of IOS. Membership in this category is obtained by applying to the Assistant Secretary for approval by the Board.

The third category of membership is the Honorary Member; this is conferred by the IOS members "on individuals who have rendered the IOS services or to IOS members who have excelled in succulent plant activities".

The fourth category of membership is the Student Member; admission to this category is at the discretion of the Executive Board. Applications have to be approved and counter-signed or a letter of support written by the student's supervisor or advisor. Student membership is granted for an initial period of two years and can be renewed on the same conditions for an additional two years. Dues are equivalent to the current annual subscription for regular members but cover the two-year period. Student members have the same privileges as other members, with the exception of voting rights.

The fifth category of membership is the Institutional Membership; this may include any recognized institution or organization interested in the objects of IOS. The annual subscription is the same as that of single individual members. One or more representatives may attend IOS meetings.

Annual membership dues are currently 60 Swiss Francs. All members receive the IOS Bulletin (published annually) and the annual issue of Repertorium Plantarum Succulentarum (published irregularly). The Bulletin is the member's forum and informs on past and forthcoming IOS activities. The Repertorium is an annual listing of new names (new taxa and combinations) of succulent plants published in a given year, and also contains a bibliography of literature relating to succulent plants.