• Bring together users in the telemedical sector and Information Technology suppliers
• Promote the use of advanced technologies, such as High Performance Computing and Networking, Virtual Reality, database building, and Internet facilities for (tele)medical applications.
• Meet the requirements of its members, through:
  • interaction and mutual exchange of information synergy between the academic world and the industry
  • creation of a platform where telemedical workers in the field shake hands with high-tech companies
  • organisation of workshops, technical meetings, and a virtual discussion forum on the Internet
  • maintenance of a policy of presence at major related events

1. Introduction

1.1 Members of the Virtual Medical Worlds Community have acknowledged to particate in VMWC with the view that over the short-to-medium term, they will be associated with a organisation that is growing in influence.

1.2 The actions of the members, particularly in the early stages of the launch of VMWC, are crucial to ensuring the success of the working group, and the establishment of a basis of operation from which the organisation can grow and fulfil its aims and objectives.

1.3 With this in mind, the following Charter for Members of the Virtual Medical Worlds Community has been prepared, in order to enhance the potential of the working group to the benefit of both the IT and telemedical suppliers.

2. Charter for Members of the Board of the Virtual Medical Worlds Community

2.2 In order that the Virtual Medical Worlds Community can grow and fulfil its potential, the participating Board members are asked to support and promote the aims of the working group in the following ways:

• by identifying sources of funding for the working group and facilitating access to them
• by identifying opportunities for involvement of the working group in appropriate European or international events
• by providing information on new developments in telemedicine and Information Technology, Virtual Reality, High Performance Computing and Networking, database building, and related technologies, on a regular basis
• by providing ideas on how the working group should improve and/or change its activities to better serve present and potential members, and the emerging telemedical society in general
• by representing the working group at conferences, meetings, and major events related to telemedicine, IT, Virtual Reality, High Performance Computing and Networking, and other innovative technologies
• by loyal support of the working group, orally and written.

3. Membership

3.1 Membership of the working group is initially for one year, renewable each year.

3.2 Membership needs to be approved by the Board

3.3 The VMWC Board members are expected to make their best endeavours to:

• recruit potential members to the working group
• help develop partnerships between the working group and other related organisations
• identify contributors to the Journal of the ITIS letters
• actively participate in the discussion forum
• provide information or points of contact regarding new research or development projects, or telemedicine / IT applications that can be included in the working group's portfolio of information. These can be European or international.

Membership fees for 2003 are:

• hospitals: 500 Euro
• small companies (SMEs): 500 Euro
• research institutes and universities: 750 Euro
• large companies: 1500 Euro

Declaration