The organisation of the project has been split into four ‘platforms’, including (1) Integration Activities, (2) Joint Research Activities, (3) Spreading of Excellence Activities and (4) Network management. Each ‘platform’ consists of between one to four work packages. There are a total of 13 work packages (WPs). Each work-package will be managed by one or two organisations, although a number of partners may also be involved in the work package. Some partners will be working on more than one work package, thereby promoting continuous cross-communication between the work packages, which is actively encouraged.
1. Integration activities
These three WPs are shaped to form a robust and innovative technology basis, tailored to support database system research and development:
- Development of a quality framework for food composition data (WP 1.3)
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Integrating knowledge, information flow and joint research activities (WP 1.7)
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Complier network and supporting task groups (WP 1.8)
2. Research activities
These work packages constitute the research activities taking place within the network.
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Users, stakeholders and sustainability planning (WP 2.1)
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Composite, processed and novel foods (WP 2.2)
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Traditional foods (WP 2.3.1)
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Ethnic foods (WP 2.3.2)
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Bioactive compounds (WP 2.4)
3. Spreading excellence activities
The network is dedicated to spreading its expertise throughout Europe and beyond through the following work packages:
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Training, education and vision to postgraduates and young scientists (WP 3.1)
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Dissemination and communications (WP 3.2)
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Gender activities (WP 3.4)
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Sustainability and income generation plans (WP 3.5)
4. Management activities
The Network of Excellence consists of 7 management bodies:
Governing Council (GC)
This is the highest decision making authority within the Network of Excellence (NOE) and consists of several senior level representatives of the organisations participating in the NOE. Each partner has a vote on the GC so this guarantees the involvement of all partners. The group meets annually and is chaired by the Director of IFR. The GC’s reviews the strategic thrust, mission and political orientation of the NOE.
Scientific and Network Management Board (SMB)
The NOE is monitored by a high level Scientific and Management Board (SMB), comprising of around ten senior researchers from the core partners. The head of the SMB is IFR, represented by Paul Finglas. The SMB meets every six months and its principal role is to make recommendations to the Governing Council regarding the scientific and managerial orientation of the project.
Project Coordinator
The Institute of Food Research (IFR) is the Project Coordinator, and is represented by Paul Finglas. The Project Coordinator is responsible for communication between the NOE and the European Commission, managing financial processes and monitoring network deliverables.
Project Management Office (PMO)
The Project Management Office (PMO) supports the SMB and GC within the network and in headed by the Project Coordinator above. The project manager, Dawn Wright, also attends the SMB, GC and network meetings as required. The PMO supports the Project Coordinator in the day-to-day management of the project.
Dissemination and Exploitation Committee (DEC)
The DEC is composed of a maximum of two representatives per Research and Actions Platform and its head is appointed by the Head of the SMB. The DEC meets every six months, and its role includes establishing and reviewing the Plan for Use and Dissemination of the NOE, and to assist the SMB with project publications, protection of knowledge and dissemination.
Users and Advisory Group (UAG)
The UAG is composed of outside experts recognised for their expertise in food composition data, and is appointed by the GC. The UAG meets at least once a year and advises the GC on NOE orientations and the implementation of its mission to spread excellence in Europe.
Workpackage Leaders (WP-L)
Each workpackage is led by Workpackage Leaders. Each WP-L manages and coordinates the day-to-day activities of their respective WPs.
Opportunities to integrate the various work-packages will take place throughout the project through work-package workshops and network meetings.
The overall structure of the project is depicted in the attachment below.
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