EFS Draft Guidelines for Board Participation in International Conferences
The European Federation of Sexology (EFS) has developed a draft document outlining guidelines for supporting board members participating in events of strategic relevance to the Federation.
This proposed framework aims to ensure consistency, transparency, and visibility of EFS representation at international conferences and professional gatherings in the field of sexology.
Summary of the Proposed Guidelines
The draft provides a structured approach to defining how EFS supports participation in external events, including funding criteria, institutional visibility, and collaboration with partner organizations.
It also identifies key international organizations whose conferences are considered relevant to EFS activities.
Key Partner Organizations and Institutional Collaboration
The document highlights several organizations that organize conferences of significance to EFS.
International Organizations of Relevance
These include:
- World Association for Sexual Health, which offers space for an EFS symposium in its program
- International Society for Sexual Medicine, for which the current status of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is unclear
- European Society for Sexual Medicine, with an existing MOU
- European Professional Association for Transgender Health, with ongoing discussions regarding collaboration and future agreements
- World Sexual Health Alliance, a new initiative currently under development
Regarding EPATH, it is noted that space for an EFS symposium was not offered at the 2025 conference in Hamburg, although a joint EFS/EPATH symposium has been suggested for future events.
Visibility and Representation at Conferences
The document underlines the importance of maintaining a visible and active EFS presence during funded participation in conferences.
Institutional Representation Requirements
EFS representatives receiving full or partial funding are expected to:
- Clearly mention EFS in their presentations
- Ensure visibility in conference spaces, such as stands or mingling areas
- Consider the use of visual identifiers (e.g., EFS buttons, T-shirts, or similar tokens)
Funded members are also encouraged to engage with exhibitors, promoting participation in the biannual EFS congress.
Approval Process for Symposiums and Funding
Participation in symposiums and access to funding must follow a structured approval process.
Board Approval and Decision-Making
Invited or proposed EFS symposiums must be discussed and agreed upon by the board, which also determines the level of financial support.
Board members participating in events outside EFS-organized seminars must submit a funding request to the board. Decisions may be taken during board meetings or, in urgent cases, through email exchanges.
Criteria for Funding Allocation
The draft also outlines principles for distributing financial support among board members.
Fair Distribution and Workload Consideration
Funding should be distributed fairly among board members, taking into account their level of involvement and workload within the board.
All allowances must be approved by the board, which evaluates whether travel support can be granted.
Participation in conferences and seminars with sexological relevance is considered essential for the development and visibility of EFS at multiple levels.
Strategic Importance of Conference Participation
The document highlights that active participation in international events is a key factor in strengthening EFS’s role within the global sexology community.
Such engagement contributes to:
- Expanding professional networks
- Increasing institutional visibility
- Supporting the evolution of sexology as a discipline
