Asian Association of Thermoelectrics (AAT) (Asia)

Formation of the Asian Association of Thermoelectrics (AAT)

The formation of the Asian Association of Thermoelectrics (AAT) was deemed necessary for the following reasons. Considering the recent strong and increasing activities in thermoelectrics research in Asian countries, and to create such an association in order to increase communication and cooperation among these geographically close Asian countries, also to nurture the young Asian scientists, and achieve strong advances in the field of thermoelectrics.

In detail, the purposes of this Association shall be:

• TO PROMOTE an understanding of the role thermoelectric technology may play in environmental impact and mitigating global climate change;
• TO PROMOTE the advancement of the thermoelectric industry, science and engineering;
• TO PROMOTE collection and exchange of information and education which will benefit the thermoelectric community;
• TO PROMOTE systemization of measurements to and in comparison of materials and devices;
• TO PROMOTE awareness of the general public and broader scientific community regarding thermoelectric issues and solicit wider involvement;
• TO PROMOTE various forums of exchange of information and achievements on thermoelectricity in Asia;
• TO PROMOTE a mechanism for coordinating and promoting conferences; and, other charitable activities associated with these goals.

The Board of the AAT shall consist of at least nine (9) but no more than fifteen (15) Board members. The exact number of Board members shall be fixed, within those limits, by a resolution adopted from time-to-time by the Board members.

The activities and affairs of the Association shall be conducted and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board. The Board may delegate the management of the activities of the Association to any person or persons, a management company or committees however composed, provided that the activities and affairs of the Association shall be managed and all corporate powers shall be exercised under the ultimate direction of the Board.

Regarding the election and responsibility of the Board Members, the Board members need to be delegates from an Adhering Body. The delegates are determined by the governance body of the Adhering Body.

No more than three members from Original Member Societies (Thermoelectrics Society of China, Thermoelectrics Society of Japan, Thermoelectrics Society of Korea) and no more than one member from other Adhering Bodies.

The term of Board members shall be three years, except as otherwise noted. No person may serve as a board member of AAT for more than two terms.

Appointment of Board Members assumes their personal commitment to diligence in discharging their responsibilities. All are expected to provide timely communication related to their activities and plans, including e-mail discussions, phone conferences, and voting. Board Members are expected to participate consistently in all activities of the Board and Annual Meeting.

As initial Board Members, the following was determined.

China: Lidong Chen, Xinbing Zhao, Xinfeng Tang

Japan: Takao Mori, Ryoji Funahashi, Michitaka Ohtaki

Korea: Wonseon Seo, Sudong Park, Wooyoung Kim

The Board will determine one President and two Vice-Presidents of AAT for next year by voting. Initially, the President and two Vice-Presidents are selected from the original member societies (China, Japan, Korea).

One of the Vice-President shall serve as the president of next year.

The term of the President shall be one year. The term of the Vice-Presidents shall be two years.

An Annual meeting, the Asian Conference on Thermoelectrics, ACT, will be held.

The agenda of business to be transacted by the Annual Meeting (Asian Conference on Thermoelectrics, ACT) shall be determined by the Board and shall be announced by the Board or its representative to the Adhering Bodies (e.g. the Thermoelectric Societies in Asia) of the AAT at least one month before the meeting.

If, the International Conference on Thermoelectrics (ICT) is to be held in the same country, ICT and ACT will be combined automatically at that year. If not, the Board (the President) will determine the date and location of ACT.

It is also encouraged to combine ACT with another international conference or  workshop according to the local organizer.

The AAT shall establish AAT Awards such as Outstanding Young Scientist Awards, Excellent Paper Awards, and Excellent Poster Awards at the Annual Meeting each year.

Regarding financial matters, membership fees of each Adhering Body are free.

The organizer of ACT shall report the financial status of the annual meeting to the Board. All the awards expenditure shall be covered by ACT registration income.

The 1^st ACT is planned to be held in conjunction with the ICT2016 in Wuhan, China.