1. Major functions of the WG:

• Planning and implementation of high priority research activities
• Preparation of project proposals for funding
• Identification and building of research teams (including extension agents and NGOs)
• Identification and consultation with stakeholders
• Efficient coordination across sites and among countries (including information exchange and cross site visits)
• Identification and testing of suitable technologies
• Facilitation for technology delivery
• Monitoring, and reporting of research outputs and technology impacts
• Organization of thematic workshops

2. Composition of the working group and the functions of each member:

• Group Leader
  • “Championing” the WG
  • Overall coordination
  • Facilitation
  • Synthesis of research outputs
  • Reporting to the CURE coordinator
    
• Site Coordinators
  • Coordinate the Consortium activities within the site/institution
  • Administrative liaison for CURE for the site/institution
  • Regular reporting of activities and expenditure to WG leader. The site coordinator will first send the report to the Steering Committee member and copy it to the WG leader
    
• NARES researchers
  • Implementation of scientific research
  • Technology development
  • Technology testing
    
• IRRI researchers
  • Implementation of scientific research
  • Technology development
  • Technology testing

When needed, the following groups may be invited

• Other CG centers
• Advanced research institutes (for direct collaboration and/or as resource persons)
• NGOs
• Farmer groups
• Extension agents
• Resource persons (to provide technical help on specific aspects of the program)

3. Operation of the WG

• Working Groups will meet once per year, before the Steering Committee Meeting, to review and plan research activities and provide inputs to the Steering Committee
• The meeting will also serve the purpose of monitoring the research progress
• Additional meetings/group discussions may be organized as needed throughout the year
• Operational mechanisms other than the general principles (accountability, reporting) are to be decided by the WG

A key site is a venue to fulfill the research needs and objectives of a particular working group and of CURE. The reason for the Consortium is to allow greater opportunities for IRRI and NARES researchers to work cooperatively at specific sites. Whenever possible, objectives should be reconciled in the key site such that use of resources is optimized.