| The creation of AFM occurred as a result of the will of 17 professional societies and companies involved in mechanics ; it set itself as the representative of a unique dynamic current consisting in bringing together French mechanicists. It has authority to represent French Mechanics vis à vis its foreign counterparts. The common concern to gather within AFM all contributors to the field was translated into a configuration of its decision-making bodies, suited to their diversity. Accordingly, the board of directors is composed of the representatives of 3 different colleges i.e. individual members , companies and sectorial professional societies. Moreover, AFM, as it defines its strategy, takes into consideration all suggestions offered by the High Committee for Mechanics. As of today, AFM’s membership has increased to 2500. AFM means to expand even more and to attract members of professional societies which have still not quite declared themselves, as well as members from industry motivated by the new prospect of interaction with the scientific and technical world offered by AFM. It is AFM’s goal to be, on a national scale , an internationally recognized society, very much like its American counterpart namely the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). |