The Role of Research Networks
Sumernet is providing a basis for intellectual collaboration across disciplines and organisations, through networking among its 12 partner organisations and providing opportunities for individual researchers to interface with policy making processes.
Communications activities carried out through much of Sumernet’s first phase have helped members to identify and collaborate on areas of common interest, through an email discussion group, electronic and print publication of research outputs, and capacity building activities.
Individual network members have coordinated Sumernet activities in the areas of research collaboration, policy engagement, broadening and strengthening of the network, and knowledge support. Such a decentralisation of functions has maintained the momentum of joint activities, whilst sharing responsibility for achieving common goals.
