MESB/Statute
Masticationpedia Ethical and Scientific Board (MESB) – Official Statute modifica modifica sorgente
This Statute defines the structure, mandate, governance model and responsibilities of the Masticationpedia Ethical and Scientific Board (MESB), the independent body responsible for ethical and scientific oversight across the Masticationpedia ecosystem.
1. Purpose modifica modifica sorgente
The MESB ensures that Masticationpedia complies with international standards in:
- research integrity and transparency
- ethical and scientific governance
- AI and data protection (GDPR, EU AI Act)
- patient rights and responsible innovation
The MESB does not perform editorial peer-review of chapters. Its role is ethical, scientific and regulatory alignment.
2. Composition modifica modifica sorgente
The Board includes:
- Clinicians (internal senior clinical experts)
- External Independent Academics (mathematics, physics, AI governance, ethics)
- Civil Society Representatives (patients, citizens, trustees)
All external members retain full independence and no operational role.
3. Roles modifica modifica sorgente
- President – chairs the Board, ensures neutrality
- Vice Chair – coordinates submissions and asynchronous voting
- External Independent Members – provide ethical/scientific opinions
- Civil Society Representative – monitors fairness and transparency
4. Independence modifica modifica sorgente
Board members:
- do not participate in operational clinical decisions
- do not influence staff recruitment or funding allocation
- declare any conflict of interest
- remain free to withdraw at any time
5. Asynchronous Ethical Review modifica modifica sorgente
All MESB evaluations occur through a fully asynchronous online workflow:
- submission of materials
- individual review
- vote (Approve / Conditional / Not approved)
- automatic quorum verification
- Vice Chair ratification
- publication in the Ethical Decisions Register (EDR)
No synchronous meetings are required unless explicitly requested.
6. Quorum modifica modifica sorgente
A decision is valid if:
- at least 3 members vote
- at least 1 external independent academic participates
7. Ethical Decisions Register (EDR) modifica modifica sorgente
All MESB decisions are archived in the public EDR page, including:
- object of the review
- outcome
- reviewers
- summary notes
- link to the decision
8. Communication modifica modifica sorgente
Formal communication is accepted via:
- LinkedIn InMail
- official email: ethics@masticationpedia.org
InMail confirmations are valid for acceptance of membership and ethical decisions.
9. Amendments modifica modifica sorgente
The Statute may be updated to reflect new regulatory requirements or project evolution.
This Statute serves as formal reference for Wellcome Trust, Horizon Europe and international partners.