CERES has two levels of decision-making, namely at the levels of the Board and the Scientific Director, respectively. The ultimate responsibility rests with the Board, composed of at least five members. The Scientific Director and the deputy Director are responsible for the daily management of CERES. The tasks of the Board and the Scientific Director concern both policy developments at the central (i.e. national) level and the coordination of activities of the local units. The central CERES office supports the Board and the Scientific Director. The CERES office is located at Utrecht University within the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance.

2.1 Council of participating institutions

The Council of participants consists of representatives of or on behalf of the institutions with which the Board has concluded a participation agreement on behalf of the school. The Council of participants proposes new Board members, approves dismissal of Board members and can submit items for Board meetings.

2.2 Advisory Council

The advisory Council consists of external and independent experts and advises the Board and the Director of CERES:

• • scientific programming and future research
• • scientifically networks
• • training program
• • financial strategy and organization
• • other issues of strategic importance

The discussion with the Council is based on the Director’s Annual report and the Strategy Plan set by the board. Members of the Advisory Council must meet the following criteria a) professional and scientific affinity with the work field of CERES; b) international experience in scientific cooperation and/or policymaking; c) administrative qualities and experience in research management; d) a network relevant for CERES. Members of the Advisory body are appointed by the Board. The Advisory Council consists of 6 to 8 members.

2.3 Committees

 As before committees will ensure the quality of research and training.

Education Committee

 The education commission determines the CERES training program and coordinates the overview of courses which are relevant for PhD students in the CERES network. The Education Committee consists of at least three CERES fellows (which have a background in different scientific disciplines) and a representative of the Student Commission.

Research Program Committee

The Research Program Commission provides advice concerning the integrated research agenda and the topics of project groups of CERES.

Publication Evaluation Committee (PAC)

The decision-making about the rating of journals and publishers is an annual exercise, under the final authority of the Board of CERES, but based on proposals developed by the PAC. The CERES Board decides on the basis of an update prepared by the PAC, which represents invited senior members from among the CERES community, representatives from the EADI committee for journal assessments, and invited representatives of all other relevant research schools in the Netherlands. The CERES office prepares the work of the PAC, and coordinates all communication. Every year an updated list of rated journals and publishers is posted on the CERES website.

Student Committee

The student Committee recommends the Board concerning all matters which are related to the training program: A balanced spacing to training phase, line and study direction are pursued The student Commission has at least four members.