1. General Aspects and Legal Basis 

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The protection of our members' privacy and the correct processing of personal data are fundamental priorities for the International Society of Critical Social-Ecological Studies (CRISES) (hereinafter referred to as "the Association"). This privacy policy describes how we collect and process data in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and, where applicable, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

 

2. Data Controller 

The entity responsible for the processing of personal data under privacy legislation is: 

International Society of Critical Social-Ecological Studies

Marzilistrasse 36, 3005 Bern (CH)

Email for privacy matters: info@iscrises.org 

 

The Association acts as the data controller for all personal data of members collected globally through the website and official association channels. 

 

3. Categories of Personal Data and Purposes of Processing 

We collect and process exclusively the data strictly necessary for the pursuit of the statutory and scientific purposes of the Association. Specifically: 

• Identification and contact data: First name, last name, date of birth, complete postal address, email address, and telephone number (including international dialling code). 

• Technical navigation data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, and time spent on the website, collected for IT security purposes and platform optimization. 

 

4. Purposes and Legal Basis of Processing 

The personal data of global members are processed for the following purposes: 

• Execution of the association relationship: Management of the register of members, administrative coordination, collection of membership fees, convening of general assemblies, and fulfillment of statutory obligations. 

• Scientific and institutional communication: Sending scientific publications, newsletters, research updates, and information regarding the activities of the international network. 

• Legitimate interest of the Association: Promotion of scientific debate, organization of international conferences, educational events, working groups, and cooperation among researchers globally. 

 

5. International Data Transfers (Non-European Members and Cross-Border Flows) 

Given the inherently international nature of the Association, personal data are processed within a global context. This involves cross-border data flows regulated according to the following criteria: 

• Hosting and IT infrastructure: The collected data are primarily stored on secure servers and cloud infrastructures located in Switzerland or within the European Economic Area (EEA). 

• Global access for members: Since our network includes scientists, researchers, and committees located worldwide, the contact details necessary for organizing scientific activities may be accessible to authorized members or bodies of the Association residing in non-European countries. 

• International safeguards: If personal data are transferred to or made accessible in non-European countries that do not guarantee a level of data protection deemed adequate by Swiss and European authorities, the Association undertakes to guarantee equivalent protection. To this end, transfers take place on the basis of Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) of the European Commission, duly integrated for the Swiss context, or through specific legal exceptions related to the execution of the cross-border association relationship requested by the member themselves. 

 

6. Security and Data Retention Period 

Data are protected with appropriate technical and organizational measures (such as SSL encryption on website forms) against loss, destruction, or unauthorized access. 

Personal data are retained for the entire duration of the association relationship. In the event of withdrawal, exclusion, or termination of affiliation for any reason, identification data are deleted or anonymized within the standard technical timeframes, without prejudice to the data required to comply with legal and accounting retention obligations under Swiss law (which typically equals 10 years). 

 

7. Your Rights (Data Subject Rights) 

Regardless of their country of residence (Switzerland, European Union, or non-European countries), the Association recognizes the following fundamental rights for all members, which can be exercised by contacting the committee via email: 

• Right of access: The right to obtain confirmation as to whether or not your data are being processed and to receive a copy of your data. 

• Right to rectification: The right to request the update or correction of inaccurate or incomplete data. 

• Right to erasure (to be forgotten): The right to request the removal of your data from the register (this results in the termination of membership). 

• Right to withdraw consent: The right to withdraw consent expressed for specific purposes (e.g., sending newsletters) at any time. 

 

Every member also has the right to lodge a complaint with the competent data protection supervisory authority in their country of residence or with the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC).