The Swedish LTER Network Expression of Interest

Appendix 2. Content of work plan

The description of the research and monitoring themes and thematic entities, that the LT(S)ER will be geared towards and focused on in future, should be given in this appendix (not exceeding 5 pages).

The work plan should be organised as follows:

1. Abstract (ca. 200 words) and a list of main objectives

2. Research themes in the site/area Each main theme is briefly described and objectives for each theme listed.

3. Current projects Current projects related to above-mentioned themes are listed according to the following categories: a) International research projects b) National research projects c) Monitoring projects

4. Availability of the data Describe the long-term data series available for the national and international research community and the terms of data distribution and usage. The description should include a summary on how data are stored electronically.

5. Local participation Describe any relevant activities in research projects and monitoring and co-operation with local actors, such as municipalities, county boards, civil organisations, volunteers, etc.

6. Education and communication Describe the training of undergraduates and other education (e.g. courses, seminars) that is being conducted in the area in connection to the themes described in work plan item 2.

7. Support services The support services that the area will provide are described, e.g. accommodation, means of communication, accessibility, work premises, laboratories, scientific libraries, educational facilities, other facilities and support services essential/strategic for the LT(S)ER –activities.

8. Available research infrastructure, facilities and human resources a) Describe briefly what kind of research activities the laboratories are geared towards. What kind of research infrastructure (including the infrastructure that is the property of the coordinating institute and other institutes/parties in this LT(S)ER consortium) exists for the LT(S)ER –activities to enable the realisation of the research themes described in the work plan (e.g. consumer durables, laboratory entities, field- and sampling equipment, reference collections, data storage and documentation tools, data bases etc.)? b) Give name, research field/assignment and degree/status of senior personnel undertaking the realisation of the LT(S)ER –themes (item 2), such as professors, senior scientists and post-docs and the number of personnel undertaking other activities (laboratory assistant, field staff etc.).

9. Quality assurance/control in monitoring and research Describe briefly the status of harmonisation of the methods, protocols and instruments used in the research and monitoring in relation to similar research and monitoring carried out in other institutes and parts of Sweden or internationally. Has any harmonisation of methods or quality

-1- The Swedish LTER Network Expression of Interest assurance/control taken place with other research institutes? What are the standards possibly followed in the field/laboratory or other research/monitoring activities?

10. Networking Networks that the area, or part of it, belongs to, are listed according to the following categories: a) National and/or international ecological research networks b) National and/or international ecological monitoring networks c) National and/or international social research networks d) National and/or international socio-cultural monitoring networks e) National and/or international multidisciplinary research, education- or development networks (e.g. biosphere reserves) f) The networks that the area, or part of it, will be part of during the next six years

11. Publications List of the most relevant publications from the site (max 25).