SOLAS Implementation Groups

Terms of Reference

Bearing in mind:
i) The research described in the SOLAS Science Plan and Implementation Strategy,

ii) The plans and funding for SOLAS available at national and regional levels, and

iii) The ideas and enthusiasms of individuals and groups of scientists working in the project,

Each IMP will plan and co-ordinate the research within its Focus.

To achieve this aim the IMPs will:

• aim to produce a detailed Implementation Plan within a year of its inception, this will be updated and revised periodically;
• co-ordinate its activities with those of the other IMPs, and particularly the SOLAS Data Management Task Team (DMTT);
• meet about once a year (more frequently where there is need and funds permit), and communicate during the year by email etc;
• report yearly to the SOLAS SSC.

Additionally IMPs are encouraged to organise open meetings and workshops as appropriate, and to seek funds for such meetings.

The IMP membership will consist of:

• A Chair or Co-Chairs and approximately 10 members, appointed by the SOLAS SSC;
• A member of the SOLAS SSC, so as to ensure good communication between the SSC and the IMP;
• One member who will be responsible for data management issues within the IMP and will also be a member of the SOLAS DMTT.

The membership of each IMP will be representative of the science contained within the relevant Focus of the SOLAS Science Plan and Implementation Strategy and there will be several members with modelling expertise. There will also be members with interests in, and linkages to, partner projects of SOLAS.

Where an IMP wishes to appoint Activity or task leaders, either within or outside its membership, this should be proposed to the SOLAS SSC for endorsement.

Meetings of IMPs will be paid for by SOLAS, funds permitting. SOLAS will attempt to secure resources from national funding agencies to host each IMP.

SOLAS may also co-sponsor other implementation or working groups, in partnership with programmes and projects that have overlapping research interests.

As SOLAS proceeds, it may be necessary to establish additional or replacement IMPs.