ALTER-Net is a network that aims to develop long-lasting integration of European biodiversity and ecosystem research institutes--integration between both our partner organisations and wider spheres of people and organisations. To achieve this we rely on the synergy of a strong, diverse community of organisations.

To help build and expand our network of experts in European-scale biodiversity and ecosystem issues, we welcome new ALTER-Net members.

Benefits of membership

As an ALTER-Net partner, your organisation can enjoy:

• Direct access and involvement in a leading European research network on biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services
• Eligibility for ALTER-Net funding calls and first-hand information on upcoming research calls

• Priority access to ALTER-Net events and project opportunities, including ALTER-Net conferences and Summer School
• Access to science-policy mechanisms, in particular at the European level

• Priority involvement in ALTER-Net’s high impact research actions and multi-site research

• Easy access to key European research organisations and individual researchers for developing joint research and publications
• Priority access to, and extra visibility via, ALTER-Net information dissemination channels
• Financial support for staff exchanges via our Mobility Scheme
• Access to partners' research facilities
• Participation in the ALTER-Net Council.
  
  

How Can I Join?

Are you interested in participating in ALTER-Net's dynamic network and having exclusive access to the exclusive benefits of membership? We can help you to move forward in the membership application process.

Prospective members are asked to provide the following application materials:

• Information from the new partner institute explaining the expertise and/or capacity in strategic biodiversity research of the institute
• An invitation letter from an existing consortium partner who acknowledges the candidacy
• A draft letter of agreement (i.e. a draft pledge)

For direction in preparing these materials, please contact the ALTER-Net Secretary.

The ALTER-Net secretariat will distribute the information explaining the expertise/capacity,the invitation letter from an existing partner, and the draft letter of agreement to the Council members. The Secretariat will also provide a recommendation to council.

Membership Commitments

ALTER-Net partners commit to:

• Proactively developing and mobilizing joint research activities
• Funding their own participation in the ALTER-Net meetings
• Supporting ALTER-Net activities with a yearly cash and in-kind contribution
• Responding appropriately to communications from ALTER-Net bodies
• Actively promoting and communicating about ALTER-Net’s goals and activities within its own organisation
• Contributing actively to the outreach and profiling of the activities for ALTER-Net
  
  

Each Partner pledges to provide cash and in-kind contributions according to its size (large, medium and small). The classification is based on the number of employees working on ALTER-Net related topics:

• For large size (>100 employees) institutes the minimum cash contribution is 5.000 € per year.
• For medium size (50-100 employees) institutes the minimum cash contribution is 2.000 € per year.
• For small (<50 employees) institutes the minimum cash contribution is 500 € per year.

In addition to Full Partnerships (described above), we welcome Associate Partnerships. Associate Partners are allowed to pay 0 € cash contribution during the first year of  partnership. However there is an obligation to pledge an in-kind contribution of a minimum of 10 person days during this first year. In the second year, the consortium fee for Full Partner applies.

ALTER-Net is aiming to achieve full pan-European coverage as well as research encompassing all major ecosystem types in Europe. Apply now to become a member of ALTER-Net and start benefiting from our services. To find out more, please contact the ALTER-Net Secretary.

Stay in touch with us

In addition to formal membership, there are many ways for individuals to keep up to date with ALTER-Net. Please see our Stay in touch page for details.