In Open Infrastructure Fund/Fondo de Infraestructura Abierta.
Andres Olivera, Lia Pietrasanta, Andres Kamaid, Kildare Miranda, Hernandes Carvalho, Steffen Hartel, Verónica Eisner, Iván Rey, Juan Orozco, Iskra Tuero, Christopher Wood, Leonel Malacrida, Gabriela Casanova
Problem Statement: The project aims to implement community governance in the Latin American bioimaging network (LABI, latambioimaging@ gmail. com), promoting openness, transparency and accountability. Currently, decision-making processes can lack inclusiveness, which can lead to disparities in resource allocation and representation. Strengthening governance structures aims to foster ownership and active engagement among the LABI community (imaging scientists, technicians, technology developers, industry representatives) to actively shape and strengthen the future of the network. Additionally, LABI faces limited communication and collaboration between the diverse bioimaging communities in Latin America. To bridge this gap, we seek to facilitate open dialogue and exchange experiences to develop a solid framework that improves governance and fosters better coordination among all stakeholders. Through organizing workshops and actively involving members in the review and evolution of bylaws, we aim to create a more participatory and collaborative governance environment. Another challenge is limited financial and personnel resources. With only one person currently working exclusively on the network and the absence of strong governance, the sustainability of LABI initiatives is at risk. Therefore, to overcome these challenges, specialized support is necessary to facilitate an open and collaborative process with community members and stakeholders.
Proposed Activities: This proposal is the starting point to initiate the foundations for the creation of a more open, transparent and participatory government. In order to achieve this, it will rely on the community through a professional consultancy that can support the process. The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical assistance, as well as support in the generation and incorporation of the best governance systems together with the actors of the network, according to the needs and demands of our community. For this purpose, the following scheme of activities is proposed: Needs assessment and planning: In the initial phase, the project team will seek a specialized organization/consultant. Together they will conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify gaps and challenges in the current governance structure, and gather ideas and perspectives. Based on the assessment, a detailed plan for the development process will be defined.(Timeframe: 2 months (Dec-Jan), Expertise: Project Management) Community Governance Workshops: The organization of workshops to discuss governance needs and challenges will be a key activity. These workshops will bring together all LABI stakeholders willing to participate and other organizations to showcase similar experiences. Based on that, solutions for a governance framework will be brainstormed and proposed (Timeframe: 4 months (Feb-May), Expertise: Event planning, facilitation, community engagement). Formation of a governance working group: Based on the needs identified, it is expected that a working group will be formed to address the drafting of bylaws and establish an ongoing agenda. This group will be open and represent different segments of the bioimaging community and will ensure that diverse voices are heard.(Timeframe: 2 months (April-May), Expertise: Community engagement, Coordination of working groups) Drafting of governance policies: Feedback from workshops and committees will be used to result in a more robust and inclusive governance structure.(Deadline: 4 months (Jun-Sep), Expertise: Policy Review, Legal Advisors) Communication and dissemination: Throughout the LABI resources, open …