Organisation

An open exchange and democratic processes are important principles of KiNSIS. The goals and tasks of the research focus are discussed, decided and implemented by the spokespersons, the General Meeting and the external advisory group Critical Friends. in 2015, KiNSIS adopted rules of procedure, which were approved by the General Meeting on 16 July 2015 (in accordance with § 4 no. i of the KiNSIS statutes). The rules of procedure regulate the rights and duties of the members, the General Meeting and the KiNSIS Board.

 

The bodies of KiNSIS:

Board
General Meeting
Critical Friends

The KiNSIS Board conducts the business of the Priority Research Area. It is composed of two KiNSIS members, their deputies and two early career researchers. They represent the main study areas involved in the KiNSIS research focus.

The General Meeting decides, among other things, on applications, investments, the admission of new members and the election of the Spokespersons' Group. It is composed of all KiNSIS members and usually takes place twice, but at least once, a year.

New KiNSIS members can be informally proposed via email by current members. After a personal presentation at the KiNSIS General Meeting, the members vote on admission. The KiNSIS Board may declare a provisional membership until the next General Meeting. Provisional members already receive invitations to events and information but are not entitled to bring a motion or to vote.

Since 2021, an external group, the 'Critical Friends', has been advising the KiNSIS Board on strategic questions regarding the further development of the priority research area. The researchers from the fields of chemistry, physics, life science and engineering reflect the professional breadth of KiNSIS and meet regularly.