Marko DelimarIn a previous article, Marko Delimar, the chair of IEEE European Public Policy Committee (EPPC) noted that, the EPPC expands the dialogue between the European engineering community and European public authorities to enable technologists to more easily share their expertise and concerns and to enable European institutions and other policy stakeholders to more easily obtain technologists’ input in matters relating to IEEE’s fields of interest.

Now, is the time for the IEEE EPPC to call for new working group (WG) members . A central part of the EPPC’s work has been in the establishment of two Working Groups (WG) on Energy and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), consisting of European IEEE members who both contribute to developing public policy documents (position statements, technology and policy white papers, policy communications), as well as engage in and organize policy-related events.

IEEE Region 8 Today, spoke with Marko Delimar regarding the new working groups and shares with you the answers of some key questions we had.

 

Is this call open to all IEEE Region 8 members or only to the European IEEE members?

The call is open to active IEEE members whose primary address is within any EU or EFTA country. At this time, other members can serve as guests or corresponding members.

Which are the responsibilities someone will have if he is selected to be a member of the working groups of the European Public Policy Committee (EPPC) announced?

Members of the Working Groups are expected to contribute to the development of public policy documents (e.g. position statements, white papers, responses to consultations, presentations to policy makers, etc.) on a wide range of issues in the areas of Energy and ICT, with a view to educating policy makers at the technical level and informing EU policymaking. In addition to this, members of the Working Groups may engage in or organize policy-related events.

Are there any specific qualifications someone needs to have in order to be a new Working Group (WG) member?

No specific qualification is needed in order to be a new WG member. However, knowledge of and expertise in at least one technical area of the WGs (energy, ICT), as well as previous experience in policy-related activities and substantial time commitment would be strong assets.

How much time from his/her free time is required for someone to offer, while being an WG member?

Time commitment from WG members may range from few hours to few days per month. The expected commitment includes 2-3 all-day in-person meetings per year (excluding travelling), 1-hour monthly teleconferences, and time to work on policy documents (some hours per month).

For how long a WG member has to serve in this position?

The service term is two years.

Are all the meetings via the Internet or the WG members need to travel? And If yes, how much?

WGs meet virtually on a monthly basis, and in person 2 or 3 times a year usually in Brussels. IEEE provides travel support, so the WG members do not incur any cost.

 

If you are interested in joining either one of IEEE EPPC Working Groups, please submit your response to this survey no later than Thursday, 8 November 2018. Participation in these WGs constitutes a unique opportunity to influence European public policy on issues central to IEEE and the broader profession.