While management of the user directory, or responding to compromised credentials and questions from your service providers may appear a technical task, these often involve decisions that deal with your 'primary assets': the research data you work with, the processes that keep your community together and wholesome. A handful of people working together can solve issues that arise in an ad-hoc fashion, but as soon as you grow a bit further, structured communication becomes essential. "Why was I suspended?" "Why can't I join your group ... you have a service I need (and by the way, I just want to use it, not contribute)?". You need a body to take up that authority. Unfortunately, the AAI is often the first time you hit these hard questions!

Who is in and who is not? The role of the governance body

A principal investigator, research group chair, or faculty dean makes a good starting point for a local governance body. If your community becomes larger, write down rules of participation, draft a memorandum of understanding, or have a written collaboration agreement in place. Often there is already something there: many public research projects require having a collaboration or grant agreement. There is usually a governance structure in there, which can be re-used here. No need to re-invent the wheel within your community.

Resources

Governance comes in many shapes and forms, and how to organise participation in your federation and collaboration is really up to you. But look at your project agreements, department model, or grant office to find a suitable and effective solution, and some existing collaborations, large and small, may serve as inspiration!


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