We have reached the age of computational science, where mathematical models running on high performance computers allow us to advance science side-by-side with laboratory work and observation. It should be no surprise we can use these same mathematical models to create a virtual world to represent scientific results. We have taken our lead from the league of scientists who formed SciLands in Second Life. The OpenSim servers allow us focus on sophisticated models by reducing bandwidth and other performance limitations to aid our mission of visualization, education, training, and scientific discovery.
ScienceSim supports the affiliation of organizationally and geographically varied servers creating the virtual world. ScienceSim is dedicated to visualization, education, training, and scientific discovery.
The distributed nature of ScienceSim makes it difficult to monitored the whole environment for appropriate compliance with the goals of ScienceSim. We will however quickly respond to complaints. People under the age of 18 should check with their parents or guardians before requesting an account. The same danger from email on the general web exists as a danger in ScienceSim via Instant Messages.
Each institution with at least one server in the ScienceSim mainland may select just one avatar-delegate to represent it as a senator on the ScienceSim Senate, regardless of the amount of land and servers it represents. Institutions may register an alternate senator for representation at senate meetings.
An institution is in good standing, as long as it is represented by a senator at senate meetings, without a consecutive three month lapse. An institution regains good standing by sending a senator to each senate meeting for three consecutive months. A senator is in good standing if their institution is in good standing.
Each senator in good standing may cast one vote at senate meetings.
Institutions wishing to place new land within the ScienceSim borders will complete an application form submitted to the senate. If the Senate members agree that the new land should be incorporated, then an isolated 5 by 5 grid will be identified and associated with the new OpenSim server. Institutions wishing to be incorporated into the ScienceSim Mainland will complete an application form for this level of membership also submitted to the senate.
Concerns that virtual land does not comply with the principles of ScienceSim should be brought to the Senate. If the Senate agrees that the concerns are warranted, the land in question will be removed from the ScienceSim directory until it is brought back into compliance. Three such offences could result in the permanent removal of the server or institution from ScienceSim.
Proposed changes to these by-laws must be approved by the Council and distributed to the Senate two (2) weeks before a vote of approval. A quorum vote is required for passing proposed changes.