 The NSRJ-CURA is governed by a Policy Board which includes representatives from all partner organizations (generally the research collaborator from each partner is the representative) as well as all the university-based researchers. This board is responsible for the general direction of the research grant, including approval of projects, communication strategies, and major funding allocation decisions. The Policy Board receives reports from the Operations Management Group, Project Working Groups, and the Director. This board generally meets bi-annually. More detailed operational decisions related to carrying out the policy direction set by the Policy Board are made by the Operations Management Group. This group also advises the Director on administrative matters. The Operations Management Group meets as needed (approximately every month). It is made up of the Director, co-applicants, and three (3) representatives from community partners. The Director of the NSRJ-CURA is responsible for general day-to-day administration of the grant and supervises the Project Manager. It is the Director’s responsibility to report to the Policy Board, and to consult with the Operations Management Group on major administrative issues. The Director will exercise her responsibilities in consultation with the grant co-applicants. The research projects of the NSRJ-CURA will be planned, implemented, tracked and managed by the leader for the particular project in consultation with the Research Cluster in which the project belongs. Research Clusters bring together research projects that overlap or share some connection in terms of their research focus or methods. Each cluster will involve the lead researchers for each project within the cluster, as well as the community collaborators interested and involved in each research project (as researchers, not subjects of research). The clusters meet on a regular basis (every two or three months - unless more regular meetings are required). They review the progress of the research projects within each cluster, assist with research planning, implementation and dissemination. The cluster will pay particular attention to the overlap and possible connections between research projects. Further, the clusters will provide an opportunity to develop knowledge dissemination and mobilization plans and recommendations related to the specific projects within the cluster. There are three research clusters and each one will be chaired by a community collaborator. In addition to these governance bodies described above, the NSRJ-CURA will benefit from the advice of an International Panel of Experts. This panel will be comprised of invited international experts that will provide knowledge, insights and reviews for the research projects. It will serve as a resource, and lift the profile of the CURA research to ensure wide dissemination of research results. The panel will not meet in person, except as participants in the final conference. They will participate through targeted discussions or inquiries by email or through on-line forums on the website. |
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