It was quickly found, however, that whole new areas of science needed to be developed if the results from short-term tests were to be applied to humans. The idea was further consolidated at a planning conference of the Institut de la Vie under the Chairmanship of Professor G.J. Ebert at Woods Hole in June 1976. In pursuit of these strategies the Commission has been concerned to identify not only the available facts but also the areas of ignorance. Constitution Copies of the constitution may be obtained from the Secretary. A Nominating Committee is charged to seek widely for member and officer candidates so as to maintain a wide range of scientific expertise and, whenever possible, a broad geographical distribution.
Elections are by secret ballot preceded by a full discussion of all candidates.
Statements, reviews and recommendations issued by the Commission shall be seen to be free of bias by virtue of the integrity and scientific competence of the members. Members are bound to declare the existence of any significant conflict of interest, financial or otherwise, in any matter and the Chairman has the responsibility for determining the extent to which a member declaring such a situation shall participate in consideration of that matter. Funding Members of the Commission receive no payment of any kind for their activities. The Commission was initially sponsored by the international scientific foundation Institut de la Vie. Some of the Commission's activities are supported by contracts or awards for specific activities from various national and international bodies.