How the Alliance Operates
The HIBAR Research Alliance is a largely decentralized organization, with considerable operational interaction and communication between participants within its various working, management, and governance groups. The organizational structure and procedures of the HRA are guided by the principles of transparency, inclusivity, effectiveness, and sustainability. The HRA Bylaws provide additional detail about the structure and operation of the Alliance.
Participation in HRA activities:
Individuals: There are three categories of individuals participating in HRA activities:
- Individual Members contribute time, effort, and/or expertise to at least one HRA activity on an ongoing, sustained basis
- Individual Affiliates contribute time, effort, and/or expertise to at least one HRA activity, but the contribution need not be on an ongoing basis, and
- Representatives are those individuals representing a specific organization in an HRA activity.
Organizations: Any organization (university or non-university) can participate as either an “Institutional Member” or “Institutional Affiliate.” A higher level of commitment is required for Institutional Members than for Institutional Affiliates, and the structure enables organizations to transition between these two categories of membership as their circumstances evolve.
An organization can be designated as an Institutional Member if at least three individuals affiliated with the organization are considered to be Individual Members of the HRA and at least one of these Individual Members has committed time and effort in a leadership role, for example as a chair of a Collaborative Action Group or task group. Institutional Members will vote for members of the Council as seats become available due to expiring terms or unexpected changes.
An organization can be designated as an Institutional Affiliate if it has at least one individual affiliated with the organization who is considered to be an Individual Member of the HRA.