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SSHOC-CH Working Groups (WGs)

As part of the SSHOC-CH mission to ensure the exchange and cooperation of research infrastructures, to identify and create synergies, and, where possible, to develop joint platforms and services or make existing ones interoperable, the SSHOC-CH Board invites its members to identify key topics of cooperation and to propose SSHOC-CH WGs.

Such WGs can address joint issues the SSH community finds relevant or also focus on specific coordination challenges in parts of the SSHOC-CH community.

Call for SSHOC-CH WGs

SSHOC-CH invites its members as well as other interested parties to propose a working group. According to Article 9 of the SSHOC-CH Statutes, the board can establish SSHOC-CH working groups. SSHOC-CH Working Groups (WGs) are established to address specific issues relevant for social sciences and humanities research infrastructures in Switzerland. They serve as platforms for focused collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint action.

Proposals can be submitted until the end of 2025.

We plan to have parallel sessions of the different WGs at the SSHOC-CH General Assembly 24 April 2026. Please contact SSHOC-CH if you have any questions or inputs.

Operating principles for SSHOC-CH WGs

In order to advance in a better coordinated research infrastructure landscape in our domain, we depend on the participation and the willingness of all SSHOC-CH members to contribute and lead such efforts.

To create a framework for the WGs, SSHOC-CH established a series of operating principles, as described below:

Scope

WGs operate within the framework of SSHOC-CH’s general mission. Their activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Identifying needs, gaps, and opportunities in research infrastructure development and interoperability.
• Sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among members and stakeholders.
• Preparing recommendations, guidelines, or reports for consideration by the SSHOC-CH Board and General Assembly.
• Organising events, workshops, or training relevant to their thematic focus.

Composition

• SSHOC-CH working group can also be organized jointly with other organizations, especially such as existing working groups within CLARIN-CH and DARIAH-CH in order to avoid duplication of the work.
• Each WG shall consist of at least three members of SSHOC-CH, that may or may not include a member of the SSHOC-CH board.
• Participation is voluntary and open to all SSHOC-CH members who have an interest in the WG’s scope.
• Non-members may be invited as guests or experts with the approval of the WG Chair.

Leadership

• Each WG shall appoint a Chair (or Co-Chairs) from among its members.
• The Chair is responsible for coordinating activities, representing the WG to the Board, and ensuring timely reporting.

Mandate Duration

• WGs are created for an initial period of two years, renewable.
• The Board may dissolve WGs if their objectives are achieved or no longer relevant or merge WGs with the approval of the different.

Reporting and Accountability

• WGs and their members are listed on the SSHOC-CH webpage, unless otherwise defined.
• WGs shall provide a short annual activity report to be included in the annual report of SSHOC-CH, summarizing activities, achievements, challenges, and future plans.
• Recommendations or outputs requiring SSHOC-CH endorsement must be approved by the Board or the General Assembly, as appropriate.

Resources

• SSHOC-CH may allocate financial or logistical support to WGs, subject to budget availability and Board approval.
• WGs are encouraged to seek additional resources (e.g. project funding, in-kind contributions) to support their work.

Submit your proposal for a SSHOC-CH WG

If you have read and agree with the above-mentioned operating principles, please use this form to submit your proposal.