Methodology Work packages WP 1: Understanding combinations of anthropogenic and natural processes across scales WP 2: Scaling biotic processes WP 3: Up- and down-scaling methods: cross-scale method development WP 4: Multi-level governance and policy instruments WP 5: Testing the practical suitability and matching of methods and policy instruments WP 6: Synthesis: Integration and development of SCALETOOL WP 7: Dissemination and Science-policy dialogue WP 8: Coordination Expected results Partners Project timetable Project organisation

WP8: Coordination

(Klaus Henle & Josef Settele, Co-ordinators)

Objectives

The objectives are a smooth coordination of the entire project including:

Day-to-day operational management of the entire project;

Design of an Intranet based internal communication, information, and data exchange system;

Administrative and scientific project controlling and reporting;

Organisation of progress and Steering Committee workshops and a final conference;

Initiation and maintenance of links to an Advisory Board of Stakeholders;

Establishment and maintenance of links to other relevant EU projects.

Description of work

Implementation of the coordination structure. Work and information flow among the WPs will be coordinated and supervised by the Project Coordinator, research within WPs by the WP leaders. WP leaders, the overall coordinator, and representatives from an Advisory Board of Stakeholders will form a Steering Committee to jointly guarantee a smooth organisation and scientific integration of SCALES. Decisions within the Steering Committee will be reached by consensus.

Communication flow. We have set-up an internal communication system among partners primarily using email and an Intranet portal to regularly monitor progress. Regularly updated time schedules are placed on a prominent location of the Intranet pages. There will be a Kick-off meeting at the end of the pre-phase of the project and three main workshops approximately at months 18, 36, and 50 for the whole consortium to facilitate coordination and integration of research and results. The last one will be held together with the final conference of SCALES. The Steering Committee will also meet during these workshops. An Advisory Board of Stakeholders will be established and invited to all main workshops. During these meetings we will review progress and control quality of results. The intricate network of interactions among members and with the Advisory Board allows a particularly thorough quality control of the work. We will produce three intermediate reports for Brussels and use a six-monthly internal reporting schedule. The coordination WP will establish links and secure cooperation with other relevant EU projects.