Governance

IGBP has a clear but simple governance structure that enables efficient implementation of its scientific structure. It also promotes internal communication and integrative and interdisciplinary activities.

The central governing body of IGBP is the Scientific Committee (SC-IGBP). It meets annually and decides upon policy and future research. The Officers of SC meet in between the SC meetings.

Most of the scientific effort of IGBP is organised into core projects, many of which are co-sponsored by other organisations. The core projects are represented on the SC-IGBP by the chairs of their Scientific Steering Committees (SSCs) (indicated by the teeth on the SC-IGBP cog).

The Secretariat and the International Project Offices (IPOs) are the “glue” for the network, facilitating information exchange and scientific synthesis and integration. The Secretariat directly supports the activities of the SC-IGBP, including managing the records and information relating to SC-IGBP meetings and memberships, and project SSC memberships. The Secretariat also promotes IGBP and disseminates its scientific results to different audiences.

National Committees are points of contact in the countries and regions that participate in the network, help initiate and organise activities at the local and regional level and are an important interface with the wider international research community.