Statutes of the Low Temperature Section

Article 1 – Scope

The Low Temperature Section of the Condensed Matter Division (hereafter “the Section”) represents and provides a forum for European scientists interested in the physics of condensed matter in the very low temperature limit.

Article 2 - Tasks

In accordance with the Statutes of the Condensed Matter Division, the tasks of the Section are, inter alia: - to support the Condensed Matter Division in carrying out the tasks specified by Article 2 of the Condensed Matter Division Statutes, within the field of Low Temperature physics;

• to promote the support and co-ordination of research activities in condensed matter and related fields, requiring very low temperatures;
• to facilitate contacts with and between its members, in particular through the organisation and co-ordination of meetings, workshops, schools, etc.;
• to facilitate the realisation in Europe of international conferences in the field of low temperature;
• to help in the training of young researchers and in the development of their abilities in ways which may facilitate their professional future life;
• to co-operate with other sections of the Condensed Matter Division, sections of other Divisions, and European organisations or enterprises, in any common field of interest;
• to offer expertise and advice to other bodies of the European Physical Society, and to other European institutions and enterprises, in the field of condensed matter at low temperature;
• to promote the public understanding and appreciation of low temperature physics.

Article 3 - Membership

Membership of the Section is open to any member of the Condensed Matter Division interested in the field of Condensed Matter at low temperature, in agreement with Article 7 of the Statutes of the Condensed Matter Division. Members are accepted upon personal application. Non-members of the European Physical Society, the Condensed Matter Division, or its Low Temperature Section, may participate in the scientific activities of the Section, about which they receive information upon request.

Article 4 - Structure

The Section consists of Members interested more particularly in the low temperature aspects of Condensed Matter. The business of the Section is carried out by the Section Committee, in accordance with Article 7 of the Statutes of the Condensed Matter Division. The Section may organise groups covering specific areas of low temperatures, or responsible for specific tasks.

Article 5 - Section Committee

In accordance with Article 7 of the Statutes of the Condensed Matter Division, the Section will elect a Committee of six amongst its members; the Committee will contain a Chairperson, a Secretary and other officers; the Chairperson or the Secretary will represent the Section on the Divisional Board. The Chairperson is appointed by the Committee and the Secretary is elected among the Section members. The normal term of election is 4 years; no one will normally serve on the Committee for more that two successive terms. The Committee normally contains 2 members from large low temperature laboratories, 3 members from small research groups, and at least 1 member related to technical or industrial research.

Article 6 - Elections

Elections to replace 3 retiring elected Committee members will be held every two years, either by mail or during a General Assembly of the Condensed Matter Division. Only members of the Section are electors or eligible in the election of Committee members. In preparing the list of nominees, the Committee will consult the Section members.

Article 7 - Meetings

At appropriate time intervals, the Section will organise in Europe a Conference on Low Temperature Physics, and support related activities, such as European specialised workshops and schools.

Article 8 - General Assembly

A general Assembly of the Section will be held every 4 years, preferably during a General Conference of the Condensed Matter Division.

Article 9 – The Statutes

The Statutes of the Section may be revised by a 2/3 majority of the Committee.