Governance
A multi-level governance model.
RISING-RO combines operational leadership, scientific independence, international expertise, and broad regional representation.
The governance model
The principal organizational components are the Founder and President, the Executive Board, the Scientific Leadership, the Regional Council and the Advisory Board, with much of the practical work carried out through dedicated Working Groups.
01
Founder and President
The Founder and President provides overall strategic leadership of RISING-RO.
The role includes defining the long-term direction of the initiative, coordinating its development, representing the network externally, initiating strategic partnerships, overseeing governance, and ensuring that the different components of the organization work toward common objectives.
The President also serves as an interface between the Executive Board, Scientific Leadership, Regional Council, Advisory Board, working groups, collaborating organizations, and external stakeholders.
The President does not replace collective governance. Major scientific and organizational decisions are intended to be developed collaboratively through the relevant governing bodies.
Members
Appointments to be announced
Members of this body will be listed here once appointments are confirmed.
02
Executive Board
The Executive Board is the principal operational governing body of RISING-RO. It is deliberately relatively small so that decisions can be made efficiently while maintaining multidisciplinary and international representation.
The Executive Board is expected to include representatives from different countries and professional backgrounds. Its composition should reflect the multidisciplinary nature of modern radiation oncology, particularly radiation oncology, medical physics, and radiation therapy technology.
Responsibilities
- Strategic planning
- Development of projects and initiatives
- Operational decision-making
- Coordination of surveys and research programmes
- Oversight of working groups
- Preparation of meetings
- Development of collaborations
- Communication strategy
- Evaluation of new project proposals
- Preparation of scientific and educational activities
- Monitoring progress toward the objectives of the network
Members
Appointments to be announced
Members of this body will be listed here once appointments are confirmed.
03
Scientific Director / Scientific Leadership
Scientific leadership is separated conceptually from purely organizational leadership. The Scientific Director supports the development and scientific quality of RISING-RO research activities.
The Scientific Director works closely with the President and Executive Board while maintaining emphasis on scientific quality and independence. As RISING-RO grows, a broader Scientific Committee may eventually complement this role.
Responsibilities may include
- Supervision of scientific strategy
- Methodological guidance
- Evaluation of proposed studies
- Development of multicentre projects
- Oversight of scientific standards
- Guidance regarding publication strategy
- Development of international scientific collaborations
- Support for consensus statements and White Papers
- Mentoring of investigators and research groups within the network
Members
Appointments to be announced
Members of this body will be listed here once appointments are confirmed.
04
Regional Council
The Regional Council provides geographic representation across Southeast Europe and is one of the central elements of the RISING-RO model. Each participating country should have an identifiable representative or small national representation capable of connecting the regional network with the radiation oncology community within that country. Regional Council members function as national points of contact.
The Regional Council is not intended to create a hierarchy between countries. Its purpose is to ensure that the network remains genuinely regional and that countries with smaller professional communities have an opportunity to participate meaningfully.
Responsibilities
- Providing information about the national radiotherapy environment
- Facilitating participation of centres and professionals
- Identifying national priorities and challenges
- Supporting dissemination of RISING-RO activities
- Suggesting collaborators for research and educational projects
- Supporting surveys and data collection
- Identifying relevant national institutions and professional societies
- Promoting multidisciplinary participation
- Communicating regional initiatives within their country
- Bringing country-specific concerns to the wider network
National representatives
Appointments to be announced
National representatives will be listed here by country once appointments are confirmed.
05
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board provides high-level strategic and scientific guidance. It is composed of recognized experts whose experience can help RISING-RO develop beyond the regional environment. Importantly, Advisory Board membership does not necessarily need to be restricted to Southeast Europe.
The Advisory Board is not intended to manage the daily operations of RISING-RO. Its role is primarily strategic, advisory, and supportive.
Including respected international experts can provide
- Scientific mentorship
- Independent strategic advice
- Connections with European and international organizations
- Guidance regarding research methodology
- Advice on educational programmes
- Support for international visibility
- Advice regarding funding opportunities
- Guidance on governance and long-term development
Members
Appointments to be announced
Members of this body will be listed here once appointments are confirmed.
06
Working Groups
As the initiative expands, much of its practical work can be performed through dedicated Working Groups. Working Groups may be permanent or project-specific.