Structure & functioning
Structure
Danone Institutes are independent non-profit entities (associations, foundations, or other) funded by local Danone companies.
Institute members are chosen from the local scientific community for their expertise in diet and nutrition. There are also a few members representing the local Danone subsidiary.
Each Danone Institute is composed of :
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a Scientific Council made up of 6 to 25 members representative of the local scientific community in terms of expertise and scientific thinking
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a Board, composed of 5 to 8 members, both independent experts in nutrition science and business leaders from the Danone Group. It is chaired by an independent scientist
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corresponding and honorary members, who are scientists active in fields related to the Institute's focus.
All members are selected from the local scientific community; work in major hospitals, universities or research centers; and are known for the quality of their work.
Functioning
All Danone Institutes function according to guidelines which guarantee a clear and democratic organization.
The Scientific Council determines Institute initiatives and promotional activities and selects research proposals to receive Institute support.
The Board implements policies made by the Scientific Council. It is responsible for such strategic decisions as determining the Institute's areas of focus and budget allocation. It represents the Institute in its daily interactions with Danone, the press and outside agencies.
General Meetings are held annually. During these meetings, the Institute's activities and budget are reviewed and the new members proposed by the Scientific Council and the Board are elected.
