Progression of Cases

(for specifics on manuscript formatting please consult Instructions for Authors)

Why follow the Guidelines?

These guidelines provide detailed instructions on how to write an application to the Commission. An application is, by its nature, a relatively formal document, unlike many scientific papers, and should be presented in a consistent manner that allows the Commission to vote on a clearly formulated proposal(s). English is the official language of the Bulletin, with a preference for British written conventions. Applications and correspondence relating to applications to the Commission should be sent to the Executive Secretary at the address given on the inside of the front cover and on the Commission website (iczn[at]nus.edu.sg). All applications should be submitted electronically or as via post, with an accompanying letter addressed to the Executive Secretary.  Your application should be supported by photocopies (or scanned images) of relevant pages of the main references, particularly of the original references to the names to be placed on Official Lists or Indexes (unless you are working under extenuating circumstances). You may send these under separate cover from the application if need be.

What happens next?

The ICZN bylaws are very specific on the further procedure to ensure adequate consideration of all cases. The Commission votes on applications a minimum of eight months after they have been published, although this period is normally extended to enable comments to be submitted. In all new applications for questions involving the use of the plenary power, a vote of the Commission shall be deemed to be complete when a period of three months has elapsed from the dispatch of the voting paper and when votes have been received from at least one-fourth of those who were members on the date of dispatch.  In questions involving additional details or corrections of factual errors regarding authors and dates, or second votes not involving further use of the plenary power, a vote of the Commission shall be deemed to be complete when one month has elapsed from the dispatch of the voting paper and when votes have been received from at least one-fourth of those who were members on the date of dispatch.  At the close of the voting period, the votes are summarized by the Secretariat, and a ruling of the Commission (an Opinion) is published in the Bulletin.

 The figure below represents the progression of a Case from submission to publication.