After the Ravello meeting it was decided to invite some 100-200 European biologists to become members of EMBO. Perutz as Chairman of the Provisional Executive Committee asked for suggestions for membership from the founder members and leading scientists. These were presented for consideration at the Council meeting in February 1964 and invitations issued. With the formalisation of EMBO and the drawing-up of Statutes and Rules, the procedures for election of ordinary, associate, and Council members were more closely established. The membership has powers of nomination and election and constitutes the General Assembly and supreme organ of EMBO. Should the General Assembly not be convened, members are consulted by post by Council; hence the importance especially in the early years of the circulars.