International Society of Trace Elements in the Environment

ISTEE Privacy Notice

Last updated: April 2, 2026

1. Introduction

ISTEE is an international society administratively registered in the United States. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our members and applicants worldwide.

This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information when you apply for membership.

2. Personal Data We Collect

When you apply for ISTEE membership, we collect the following information:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Phone number (optional)
  • Mailing address
  • Country
  • Current position/title
  • Institution/organisation
  • Department
  • Field of experience
  • Years of experience
  • Membership type (regular or student)

3. Purpose of Collection

Purpose Data Used Legal Basis
Processing your membership application All required fields Contract necessity
Communication regarding membership Name, email, optional phone Contract necessity
Administrative and billing operations Address, membership type Contract necessity
Member classification & eligibility Institution, title, department, experience fields Legitimate interest / Contract performance
Optional contact Phone number Consent

4. How We Use Your Personal Data

  • Membership verification and processing
  • Communication regarding ISTEE activities and updates
  • Internal analytics and planning
  • Maintaining accurate membership records
  • Providing access to membership benefits

We do not sell personal information. After your membership term ends, your name and email only are passed to the email list of the organizer of the Next Conference. You will be able to opt out of that email list anytime.

Depending on your jurisdiction, our processing may rely on:

  • Contract necessity
  • Legitimate interest
  • Consent (for optional fields)

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for membership management, legal obligations, and historical record-keeping (in non-identifiable form), but no longer than four years.

7. Data Storage & International Transfers

Although ISTEE is registered in the USA, our website hosting and email list server are located in Europe. Your data may therefore be stored in Europe and accessed from the USA.

Where required, international data transfers follow approved safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

8. Data Sharing and Processors

We share your data with:

  • Email communication platforms
  • Payment processors (if applicable)
  • Administrative personnel or volunteers

All processors operate under agreements limiting data use to ISTEE purposes.

9. Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures, including:

  • HTTPS encryption
  • Secure data storage
  • Access controls
  • Vendor security reviews

10. Your Rights

You may have the following rights depending on your jurisdiction:

  • Access your data
  • Correct inaccurate data
  • Request deletion
  • Data portability
  • Object to or restrict processing
  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Opt out of sharing of data (where applicable)

11. Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach, we will notify you in accordance with the requirements of your jurisdiction.

12. Minors

ISTEE membership is intended for adults and graduate-level students. We do not knowingly collect data from minors under 18.

13. Contact Information

For privacy-related inquiries, please contact us using the web form