Communities Future Focus Group

Background

The ELIXIR Communities Future Focus Group was established to assess the current landscape of ELIXIR Communities and define their long-term role within the organisation. With 18 established Communities, increasing demand for new ones and limited budget, the need for a clear, structured and sustainable approach for the future of Communities has become evident. While Communities are outstanding, bottom-up initiatives and collaboration opportunities, processes related to their governance, funding and alignment with ELIXIR’s scientific priorities must be addressed to ensure their continued success.

Goals

This Focus Group aims to evaluate the purpose, structure and impact of ELIXIR Communities, both individually and as a portfolio. Objectives include improving alignment between Communities and ELIXIR’s Science Tier, refining governance and operational processes and ensuring sustainable resource allocation. By engaging a broad range of stakeholders, including ELIXIR members – specifically Community Co-leads, Community members and Heads of Nodes – the Focus Group will work toward a Communities framework with a clear mission and vision. This will enable Communities and their members to easily contribute to this process. 

Activities

The Focus Group will develop a strategic proposal outlining the future role and structure of ELIXIR Communities, to be presented at the ELIXIR Scientific Programme 2024–2028 mid-term review in June 2026. Activities include reviewing existing policies, gathering input from stakeholders and proposing refined governance models. Regular updates will be shared at key ELIXIR meetings, ensuring transparency and broad engagement throughout.

How to get involved

This Focus Group is starting its activities with a kick-off workshop on 30 April 2025, 14:00–16:00 CET. 

An ELIXIR-wide consultation is being planned via a survey with details to be confirmed. Regular meetings will be scheduled. All information will be shared via the mailing list and ELIXIR’s official channels such as the Weekly brief, Programme TC and Slack channel.