Regional Engagement & Emerging Chapters
SAFE’s regional engagement is shaped and led by members and volunteers. It provides a practical way to connect locally, share knowledge, and coordinate activities that reflect regional priorities across agriculture, food systems, energy, environment, and One Health.
As an emerging society, SAFE is building a pathway to formal regional chapters. Until a region meets the criteria for chapter recognition, SAFE supports regional activity through networking groups and emerging chapter initiatives.
Explore the regions below. Each area includes an overview, current status, and how members can get involved.
SAFE’s engagement in Australasia is currently focused on building a connected, interdisciplinary community across research, practice, and policy. The aim is to support collaboration and shared learning on One Health challenges relevant to the region.
- Connect SAFE members and partners across Australasia
- Identify region-specific priorities for collaboration and dialogue
- Support early-stage coordination toward a future regional chapter
A formal SAFE Australasia Chapter will be considered once regional leadership, representation, and activity meet the chapter recognition criteria outlined below.
Know moreSAFE’s Ibero America & Caribbean engagement supports knowledge exchange and collaboration across diverse contexts, with an emphasis on practical solutions linking agriculture, food security, energy, environment, and One Health.
- Build an initial regional network of members and collaborating institutions
- Map shared priorities and opportunities for joint activities
- Encourage inclusive participation across countries and career stages
As membership and leadership capacity grow, SAFE will evaluate readiness for chapter recognition.
Know moreSAFE Europe is envisioned as a coordination platform aligned with evidence-informed policy and interdisciplinary research and innovation agendas relevant to One Health and sustainability.
- Connect SAFE members across European institutions and networks
- Support dialogue on shared priorities and policy-relevant themes
- Prepare the foundation for collaborative initiatives and future chapter formation
Formal chapter naming will only occur once the minimum recognition criteria are met.
Know moreSAFE’s Africa regional engagement is currently focused on building an inclusive network that reflects diverse country contexts and supports collaboration across science, practice, and policy.
- Strengthen connections among SAFE members working across African contexts
- Identify priority themes shaped by regional needs and opportunities
- Support early-stage coordination toward a formal regional chapter
Chapter recognition will be considered once leadership, representation, and sustained activity are in place.
Know moreSAFE Asia is developing as a networking and coordination group bringing together members across the region to exchange knowledge, identify shared priorities, and enable future collaborative activities.
- Support cross-border exchange across academia, practice, and policy
- Identify emerging research and innovation priorities relevant to One Health
- Develop the foundation for chapter recognition as membership grows
SAFE Asia will be formally named a chapter only when the recognition criteria and approval steps are met.
Know morePathway to Chapter Formation
SAFE recognises that regional activity strengthens the Society’s mission by enabling local collaboration and responsiveness to regional priorities. To protect clarity, accountability, and quality, SAFE uses a staged pathway for regional chapter formation.
Stage 1 — Emerging Regional Network
- Open to all SAFE members in the region (and interested partners, where appropriate).
- Focus on networking, priority mapping, and early coordination.
- May host informal activities (online meetings, webinars, thematic discussions).
- Uses the wording “Emerging” or “In Development” and does not claim formal chapter status.
Stage 2 — Provisional Chapter (candidate status)
A region may apply for provisional chapter status when it demonstrates sustained activity and minimum organisational capacity. The provisional stage enables SAFE to support growth while ensuring appropriate governance and transparency.
Stage 3 — Recognised SAFE Chapter
Recognised chapters operate under SAFE’s governance framework and follow agreed standards for leadership, reporting, and member engagement. They may use the “SAFE [Region] Chapter” name only after formal approval.
Minimum criteria for chapter recognition
- Membership base: A demonstrated active community of SAFE members in the region (recommended: at least 25 active members).
- Regional representation: Evidence of participation across countries/areas within the region (where relevant), and inclusive engagement.
- Leadership: A named interim leadership team (recommended: Chair/Coordinator, Secretary, and two additional officers or committee members).
- Activity: Evidence of sustained activity over at least 6–12 months (e.g., meetings, events, working groups, or outputs).
- Governance alignment: Agreement to operate under SAFE’s code of conduct, values, and basic reporting requirements.
- Plan: A short chapter plan for the next 12 months (priorities, engagement approach, and planned activities).
Approval process
- Step 1: Submit a Chapter Expression of Interest (EOI) with leadership contacts and a short plan.
- Step 2: SAFE reviews the EOI for readiness and requests any clarifications.
- Step 3: If appropriate, SAFE grants Provisional Chapter status for a defined period (e.g., 12 months).
- Step 4: After the provisional period, the region submits a brief progress report.
- Step 5: SAFE confirms recognition and authorises use of the “SAFE [Region] Chapter” name and branding.
When to Officially Name a Chapter
SAFE will officially name a regional chapter when the region has demonstrated stable leadership, inclusive engagement, and sustained activity, and when formal approval has been granted through the pathway above.
Practical decision guide
- If the group is mainly networking with early coordination → use “Emerging Regional Network”.
- If leadership and activity are established and a plan exists → apply for Provisional Chapter.
- If minimum criteria are met and provisional progress is demonstrated → name as “SAFE [Region] Chapter”.