EPF Committees Framework (June 2025)
This short document outlines a brief history of EPF Committees intrinsic to the EPF Constitution, and how, since 2024, an EPF Committee Framework was built on this structure. The aims are to initiate an expansion of scientific activity in Europe by appointing a broad range of EPF Committees that will facilitate psychoanalytic work on specific topics towards advancing the theory and practice of Freudian metapsychology as stated as one of the fundamental objects of the EPF Constitution.
The structure of the EPF Committee Framework
The EPF Committee Framework has been set up to address the need for a new framework that provides a more flexible structure. As seen in the IPA and all psychoanalytic societies, the EPF Committee Framework incorporates scientific/heuristic and administrative aims. The EPF Committees Framework offers analysts a wide range of scientific activities. Each EPF Committee has aims and objectives focused on a specific topic.
Composition of EPF Committees
There should usually be one Chair and one Honorary Secretary plus Ordinary Members, perhaps with specific tasks. Each member of each committee should preferably represent a different EPF Society although this is not essential. Moreover, it is acceptable for members of the same committee to belong to the same Society.
Appointment and Mandate
In November 2024, Council agreed to the Executive's proposal to appoint EPF Committees to work scientifically according to the EPF Committee Terms of Reference (see below). The mandate is normally for four years although this can be extended. Each Committee creates its own Terms of Reference and a Report on the work of the Committee should be sent annually to the General Secretary of the EPF Executive. All committees should be self-governing.
The EPF House
All EPF Committees are welcome and encouraged to make use of the EPF House for meetings, workshops and conferences. Proposals should be sent to the Chair of the House and the EPF Administrative Assistant.
The EPF Website
Each EPF Committee will have a high profile on the EPF Website that announces its topic and further details. The Terms of Reference for each committee (up to 3 paragraphs) should describe the aims and objectives. There should also be an indication of whether the group is open to new members.
The EPF Annual Conferences
Each EPF Committee has the opportunity to present their work during the Annual Conference (pre-congress workshops and/or a panel at the Main Programme) as long as space permits. A proposal should be made for each Annual Conference to the Chair of the Programme Committee who is Vice President of the EPF Executive
Funding
Committees can apply to the EPF Executive to fund aspects of its work e.g. for travel to the EPF House. Please note that the argument for funding will be assessed by the EPF Treasurer in consultation with the EPF Executive.
Research
The work of all EPF Committees is not obliged to include a research agenda as was the case with the previous working groups. Psychoanalytic work in each committee is aimed at cultivating ideas, offering conferences/workshops and presenting ongoing work. The publishing of papers is encouraged but not obligatory. If any committee wishes to form its work into a fully funded research project it is encouraged to apply to the IPA Working Parties Committee.
Categories of EPF Committees – Administrative and Scientific
The Executive is responsible for co-ordinating the scientific work of the EPF and overviews and monitors the work of all EPF Committees.
EPF Standing Committees
Election Committee – Governance/Administrative
House Committee – Administrative/Scientific
EPF Committees added in 2015 and 2023
2015 European Psychoanalytic Conference for University Students (EPCUS) – Scientific/Outreach
2023 Archives Committee – Scientific/History/Outreach
Newly Appointed EPF Committees since 2024
Climate Change and Ecological Crises – Scientific/Outreach (2024)
EPCUS and Universities – Scientific/Academic/Outreach (2024)
Sexuality, Gender, Identity – Scientific/Outreach (2024)
Psychosomatics in Contemporary Psychoanalysis – Scientific (2024)
Violence and the Feminine – Scientific (2025)
Communications – Outreach/Scientific (2025)
Prejudice and Discrimination Scientific – Scientific/Outreach (in process 2025)
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR EPF COMMITTEES
The purpose and function of each EPF Committee is to complement the work of the Executive in implementing the main scientific aims of the EPF as set out in the EPF Constitution
Each EPF Committee is responsible for setting out its own strategy and aims and to outline how the work will be implemented to support its strategy.
1. The topic and main argument
The name of the Committee should be succinct with an argument that illustrates the Committee’s work (200 words).
2. The Strategy
The strategy and plan for a four year mandate (which could be extended).
3. Composition of EPF Committee
Usually one Chair and one Honorary Secretary plus Ordinary Members. Each member of the Committee should preferably be from a different society but this is not essential.
4. Frequency of Meetings - zoom and/or the EPF House
Each Committee decides on how many meetings are required a year and whether there will be a meeting in the EPF House. This should be stated in the Terms of Reference.
5. EPF Annual Conferences
Each Committee has the opportunity to propose a pre congress workshop and/or a parallel panel for the Main Conference on the annual theme. Proposals need to be submitted during the early summer when the details of the next conference are available.
6. Reports
To be sent to the General Secretary by early October each year for the Council Meeting in early November in Brussels.
To Apply
The proposal to form an EPF Committee should be sent to the EPF General Secretary
The details should include the 5 main points outlined in the Terms of Reference. Once appointed by the Executive and ratified by Council the information will be uploaded on the EPF website.
EPF Executive June 2025