In August 2013, as part of its work on developing the critical success factors (CSF), IMC agreed  on ILRI’s core identify and sketched out a framework to help focus the institute’s work.  Following on from this, in October, the science plan was developed and  discussed at IRMC (with follow-up email correspondence) and then presented to the ILRI Board in November.

More on the CSF development process (download)

As a follow up to discussions with the board, and feedback provided through the IRS staff council, we are holding further internal consultation on the science plan, to provide more opportunity for input and ownership of the final plan which will be presented to the board at the  April 2014 board meeting.

Contribute to Round 1 consultation

Resources

1. Read the plan (DOWNLOAD)

2. See the presentation of this plan to the Board (DOWNLOAD)

3. View supporting tables in excel format (DOWNLOAD)

Process

We will use a process that combines electronic with face to face interaction. We also seek a mix of individual and group inputs.

It will have three phases:

First, we will invite general reactions to the plan, electronically, from individuals across ILRI. This should pinpoint ‘hotspots’ and sections of the plan that require further attention. Basically, this is an agenda-setting phase to map what needs to be done and give us a sense of priorities.  Contribute to Round 1 consultation

Second, we will invite discussion on the high priority issues and questions arising from the first round. This will have both electronic and face to face elements. Ideally, programs and teams will convene group discussions on the hotspots and issues that concern them – producing a set of recommendations. We encourage teams to consider and provide evidence to support their recommendations . We will produce a synthesis of these various contributions which  will be used to frame discussions in the third phase.

Third, IRMC will meet on 15 and 16 January 2014 in Nairobi to discuss and conclude on the key topics as input into the final revision of the science plan.  We anticipate that a number of other scientists from across the institute will be invited to this meeting, but it is compulsory for IRMC members. 

Indicative timetable and milestones

Phase 1

15 November: Process circulated to scientists

18 November: Round 1 survey seeking:

–          Overall comments on the plan

–          What issues/aspects of the plan are missing

–          What aspects/issues of the plan could be strengthened

–          What aspects/issues of the plan are strong

–          Which specific sections of the plan they wish to contribute to

–          The structure, flow, form of the plan

–          ‘Hotspots’ in the plan that require further discussion or clarification

2 December: Round 1 summary/synthesis

–          Identification of ‘hotspots’

–          Identification of sections to work more on

–          All other comments and issues

3 December: IMC initial discussion

Phase 2

9 December: Round 2 feedback from scientists and science teams on high priority sections and hotspots

–          Targeted questions to solicit inputs

–          Team/Program face to face and/or virtual discussions

7 January: Round 2 summary/synthesis

–          Collated inputs from teams

–          Collated inputs from questions

–          10 January: Summary of all inputs

Phase 3

15-16 January:  IRMC meeting

3 February: Science plan draft circulated for final internal comment

1 March: Science plan to Board