Background and Purpose
Based on the outcomes from the previous meeting in January 2025 it was decided by the SHC Committee on New Tasks (SCNT) that a proposal would be developed for ExCo approval regarding the creation of Collaboration Groups. The objective of Collaboration Groups (CG) would be to maintain a basic level of activity in strategic SHC areas of interest and supporting the development of new ideas and workplans and leading to the creation of knowledge products and new Tasks.
At the 97th ExCo meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia in June 2025, the ExCo voted to approve the creation of Collaboration Groups.
Name
Collaboration Group
Goal
The goal of the CG is to create and maintain interest in new or/and existing areas of research with the aim of starting new Tasks.
Objectives
- Facilitate Collaboration: Promote cooperation and exchange of ideas among members.
- Encourage Discussion: Provide a platform for open and constructive dialogue.
- Share Knowledge: Enable the sharing of knowledge and experiences.
- Repository of knowledge so that ideas are not lost of forgotten
Scope and Level of Activity
The level of activity is designed to be minimal with the objective being to maintain contact with experts.
The Collaboration Groups would be broader in scope than a Task or Working Group with fewer deliverables. The goal of the CG is to create and maintain interest in new or existing areas of research with the aim of starting new Tasks. Each CG would focus on a strategic area of importance to the SHC TCP.
Creation
The initiation procedure and its structure would be less formal than those of a Task. The formation of a CG must be approved by the ExCo. The proposal would be developed based on a template to be created by the NTWG and approved ExCo.
When a new activity is proposed for the SHC Programme, the ExCo should consider whether a Task, Collaboration or Working Group structure is more appropriate for that activity project.
Leadership and Membership
Typically, a CG would be led by one of the Participating Countries, which volunteers to take that responsibility, and that country provides a Collaboration Group Leader who manages the activity. Leadership can also be shared with a co-leader who must also be from a member country or sponsor. Members must be from Member Countries or Sponsors. Non-member countries/organizations individuals can participate as ‘Observer’. Observer participants will be reviewed and approved annually by the ExCo. Each Collaboration Group would have at least one volunteer ExCo representative.
Publication and Reporting
Only a summary report is required annually. Should the CG wish to publish, any publication would be reviewed the same way a Task publication is reviewed.
CG would be considered permanent but requires annual review at by the ExCo.
Interaction with Tasks and Working Groups
The CG work will continue even when a Task is created in its sphere of influence.
Expectations/Reporting
- Minimum one annual meeting
- Annual summary report due by the end of the calendar year
From my point of view these groups should be permanent structures defined for a set of broader areas encompassing all activities of the TCP, ensuring that we are able to maintain a (low level) collaboration at all time (namely in periods between Tasks).
Collaboration Group Application Form
Collaboration Group name:
Collaboration Group Scope: One or two sentences describing the CG purpose
Collaboration Group Leader:
Collaboration Group co-leader (not required):
Volunteer ExCo member:
Planned Activities:
- Annual Network Meeting (virtual or in-person)
- Annual summary report
Annual report Requirements – Due before the end of the calendar year
- Summary of activities
- List of participants, both members and observers
- Planned activities for the following year
- Any other points of interest