Core

The Core includes the ten research groups that previously formed the Nanoquanta network (see the ETSF groups).

Core tasks are:

• to maintain high-level research in development and applications of theory for ab initio calculations of electronic excitations;
• to create user-friendly software that translates new theoretical research into applicable tools;
• to organize regular training events and, if justified by demand, provide ongoing training through the teaching of Masters modules etc.;
• to provide collaboration on different levels (transfer of software, usage of software in collaborations, performing calculations);
• to organise calls for proposals, linked to offers both from the Core and from the Associate Shell, in a way similar to that which happens in a synchrotron facility;
• to provide the organizational structure for the functioning of the ETSF, in particular the management of the Core itself and its contact with the Associate Shell.

Although the Core will itself naturally evolve, individual groups will grow through the hiring of new researchers and through the retention of those who become employed elsewhere but wish to remain in the Core; this will also help to create tight links to other groups.

A key principle is to avoid both the arbitrary nature of the career of non-permanent researchers and the inertia of 'old' groups: where compatible with the national system, permanent research staff will be employed by national organisations with the intention of working in an ETSF Core group for about five years. Following this period, and with their agreement, the researchers should then transfer to a similar position on a different project or at a different institution, either within or outside the ETSF. In some countries it is recognised that less permanence will be possible.

Fundamentally, the ETSF must aim to become self-sufficient by earning a substantial part of its income from the provision of services and wider access to knowledge. The expectation of many, if not most countries' funding systems for a 'business case' to be made is the first challenge to be faced in any application for support.

Associate

The Associate Shell is composed of high-level research groups that develop theory and software in the area of electronic excitations (see the ETSF groups). These groups join the scientific community created around the ETSF, and may contribute significantly to the services of the ETSF and benefit from its outreach work. The members of the Core and of the Associate Shell assess each new request for membership of the Associate Shell on the basis of scientific excellence and reliability; membership of the ETSF must be a sign of high scientific quality.

Members of the Associate Shell benefit fully from the scientific exchange that is made possible and driven forward by the ETSF. They can advertise on the ETSF web site and call for proposals (see below) just like members of the Core; however, they do not increase the administrative overhead of the ETSF since all financial business is treated separately. In particular, when an Associate Shell group takes up a project after recommendation by the scientific board (see below), it will be directly in contact with the group that has requested the service, and the two partners will stipulate the corresponding contract.

Members of Associated groups are likely to make both direct contributions to the activities of the ETSF, and indirect contributions--sometimes only as Users. Generally it will be expected that Associated groups will arrange their own funding for their own research, but some ETSF funding may be available for research in collaboration with the Core, travel related to ETSF activities, participation in the annual conference and other workshops, and so on.

When a specific service is commissioned from the Core by an Associated group, this must be paid for by the group as a User. Such funds may be used to provide materials or personnel as required. However, an Associated group may also be involved in the provision of such services, and in these circumstances would expect to receive funding in order to provide them on behalf of the ETSF.

An annual conference, as well as other ETSF-related events, will bring members of the Core and Associate Shells together.

Users

The User Shell is fundamental to the purpose of the ETSF in widening access to knowledge and expertise in the field of electronic excitations. It is composed of anyone from the public or private sector who has a need to engauge with this field. Users are, for example, experimental researchers needing theoretical input into their work or companies with a need for the specialised resources that ETSF can provide to help to develop new products.

The ETSF offers a wide variety of ways of sharing knowledge, depending on the expertise and needs of the User: this may be, for example, support for use of specialised software, placement of a member of the User's organisation for training, undertaking of a fully-collaborative project or a service provision in which the User is the 'customer'.

Users are also supported through this web site and by an ongoing series of workshops and other training events.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee (SC) is the ETSF's main decision making and arbitration body.

The SC is composed of representatives of the 10 nodes of the Core. The representative might be the node coordinator, or another team leader, and has one vote at the SC Meeting. Any expert or qualified person may be invited to attend SC meetings in an advisory capacity.

The Chair of the SC is elected by the SC. The Chair is currently Rex Godby (York).

The SC decides, inter alia, on the following matters:

• Political and strategic orientation of the ETSF;
• ETSF programme of activities and integration activities;
• inclusion and exclusion of a Group within the ETSF;
• election and dismissal of the Chairperson;
• overseeing of all agreements made with third parties.