Operational procedures

Operational procedures of the ALW Board have been laid down in the (internal) Rules and Regulations for Earth and Life Sciences. The ALW Board shall convene at least six times a year. Decisions can only be taken when at least half the board members are present.The NWO Chairman and the chairman of the ALW Policy Advisory Committee shall both receive the meeting documents and be invited to attend meetings as observers. A meeting lasting several days shall be convened once a year, which shall cover a broader field.

Decisions shall be taken after discussions and good fellowship on the basis of an agenda proposed by the ALW Office. Board members are expected not to promote the interests of their own disciplines. In occasional urgent matters, decisions can be taken after written consultations. If a ballot is necessary to reach a decision, a decision shall be taken by majority of the votes cast.

The ALW Executive Committee (Dagelijks Bestuur = DB) consists of the chairman and vice-chairman of the ALW Board. The DB-ALW has an advisory function. Its director is authorised to take decisions on behalf of the ALW Board concerning subsidy applications up to € 25,000 and also concerning increases or reductions of subsidies up to a once-only sum of € 25,000 per project.

Once a year, a delegation of the ALW Board shall consult with the NWO Governing Board: the ALW chairman will represent ALW in the so-called Governing Board/council chairmen meetings (chairmen meetings for short), which are held quarterly. ALW Board members shall keep themselves available for participation in ad hoc committees that can be established for multidisciplinary programmes. Furthermore, delegations of the ALW regularly meet with stakeholders, e.g. research schools.

The ALW Office prepares meetings and ensures decisions are implemented.