Introduction

ESF Research Networking Programmes (formerly "Scientific Programmes") are self-coordinating activities and the decision-making process is based on the principle of self-management. Responsibility for managing a Programme rests with its Steering Committee, to which each contributing organisation can nominate a member.

The Steering Committee typically meets once per year, and more frequently if necessary.

The Steering Committee selects a Chair from within its membership; normally this person is one of the proposers and must come from a country of one of the contributing ESF Member Organisations. The Chair represents the Programme, and is responsible for its scientific and operational coordination and for reporting to ESF. He/she is expected to dedicate, on an honorary basis, a reasonable amount of time and effort to the management of the Programme. Programme related travel other than participation in meetings of the Programme and external administrative costs can be reimbursed.

The Programme’s budget may cover the costs of an external Programme Coordinator to assist the Chair in managing and coordinating Programme activities.

An ESF team, including the liaison officer (administrative contact person) and the scientific secretary, under the supervision of the relevant ESF Head of Unit, will be responsible for working with the Programme Steering Committee.

ESF Research Networking Programmes are "open" activities. Principal participants within a Programme, e.g. Steering Committee members, are expected to network with colleagues in other research groups to ensure that opportunities in a Programme’s activities are known and are open to all eligible participants. New participants to a Programme from participating countries can be co-opted during the lifetime of the Programme upon decision of the Steering Committee. In the case of participants from countries which do not contribute to the Programme, the decision lies with the relevant Head of Unit.

ESF evaluates Programmes at the mid and final term and may, at any time, recommend to the funding Member Organisations termination or redirection. ESF, on behalf of the contributing organisations, retains ultimate financial and management authority. ESF’s responsibility is to ensure that the budget is allocated and spent in an appropriate and effective manner within its financial rules.