Approved by R Consortium TSC on 2017-10-18
This document outlines a proposed process by which an ISC project might graduate to top-level project, as well as the process by which such a project may be terminated. A top-level project implies long-term support (with 3 year review) by the R Consortium for the project, regardless of the person running it.
We currently have three top-level projects:
- R-hub, by Gabor Csardi.
- RUGS program (incl. small conferences)
- R-Ladies
Top-level projects imply long term support, and give the project a seat on the ISC.
Generally, we will consider the following factors when deciding if a project should become a top-level project:
- The project is important, and is having a significant impact on the R community.
- The project has completed one year of successful funding, and delivered their first annual report.
- Commitment (to some extent) independently of the personnel on initial project.
Project would be nominated by ISC member, and confirmed by a simple majority vote. Then ISC chair would reach out to project and discuss budget etc
The project would prepare a rough 3 year plan, including discussion of personnel (i.e. either a commitment from the original grantee or a transition plan). Top level project would be allotted a line item on the ISC budget to ensure priority funding. Upon graduating, any remaining funding from initial grant will return to ISC.
The project would then be expected to have a status report at every regular meeting of the ISC to be presented by their ISC representative.
In lieu of regular project proposals, top-level projects would submit a proposed yearly budget by October 31 (in order to get budgeted for following financial year). This would serve as a regular review point for top-level projects, and would occur in a separate meeting to the other project proposals, with the ISC member associated with the project recusing themselves.
Top-level projects will be reviewed every three years. An explicit positive vote would be required to continue funding.
In exceptional circumstances, a top-level project may be terminated at any time by a simple majority vote of the ISC.
A top-level project will typically not be terminated if the grantee resigns, provided that succession plan is in place.