Governance Structure

During the Preparation Phase, MEDem operates with a streamlined governance structure to allow for flexibility while establishing the foundation for its future framework. 

Regular meetings with the Interim General Assembly will allow informal exchanges to take place with representatives from ministries of prospective member states to ensure alignment with national priorities.

Strategic oversight is provided by the Board of Directors, which guides MEDem’s development and direction. At this stage, a dedicated MEDem Director is not yet in place, allowing for a more adaptable leadership approach. The Board of Directors further ensures coordination across key operational and scientific areas.

The Service Centers play a central role by providing specialized expertise and services in key areas, including population surveys, multimedia analysis, country and institutional data, data linkage, and capacity building. These centers will strengthen MEDem’s capacity to support high-quality research.

The Scientific Board serves as an open advisory body. It integrates broad input from the MEDem Networks Forum and National Coordinators Forum, ensuring that expertise from national and international research communities informs the infrastructure’s development. However, during this phase, the Scientific Board does not yet engage in decision-making processes.

In the future, as MEDem may eventually transition to an ERIC, its governance structure will evolve to provide a more formalized leadership and operational framework. This will include the establishment of a General Assembly as the primary decision-making body representing the MEDem Member States. The Board of Directors will be led by the MEDem Director. Dedicated forums, the MEDem Networks Forum and National Coordinators Forum will continue to ensure engagement at national and international levels, integrating diverse perspectives into MEDem’s strategic and scientific direction. To that end the Scientific Board will transition into the Scientific Council as the second body with direct decision-making powers. Finally, to provide independent, high-level expertise, an External Advisory Board will offer guidance on complex and evolving challenges. This ensures that MEDem remains at the forefront of research, legal, ethical, and infrastructure development.