Help Shape the Future of CSIDNet: Committee Nominations Now Open!

CSID Network thrives because of the leadership of our members. Each year, our committees play a vital role in guiding decisions, setting priorities, and stewarding the work of the network. They are the heartbeat of our collaborative governance model, ensuring that our community is member-driven and globally representative.

We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026–2027 CSIDNet committee term! This is your opportunity to step into leadership, help shape the network’s future, and strengthen our collective efforts to address climate-sensitive infectious diseases.

Why Serve on a CSIDNet Committee

Serving on a committee is one of the most meaningful ways to engage with CSIDNet. Committees guide decisions on programs, events, and strategic priorities. They steward core operational areas such as governance, finance, communications, events, and membership. They also create spaces for diverse voices to come together and share responsibility for our collective work.

Commitment

Committees typically meet 1–2 times per month, with asynchronous contributions between meetings. You should expect to dedicate approximately 5–15 hours per month, supported by CSIDNet staff who provide logistical and facilitation support.

Benefits

Serving on a CSIDNet committee is a volunteer opportunity that offers meaningful professional and personal growth. Committee members gain:

• Visibility and leadership experience within a global, interdisciplinary network.
• Opportunities to collaborate with peers and experts working on climate-sensitive infectious diseases around the world.
• Skill development in facilitation, strategy, governance, and program design.
• A platform to influence priorities and shape the direction of CSIDNet’s programs and activities.
• Connections and mentorship across sectors, disciplines, and regions.

While committee service is unpaid, it is a chance to help strengthen an innovative, member-led network and contribute to collective global impact.

Expectations

Language

CSID Network desires to break from normative global Science where extraction is a norm. We recognize that if we do not weave equity into everything we do, we risk replicating extractive and oppressive systems in how we do our work. That said, we are also bound by the realities of limited capacities and resources. Thus, committee work is generally conducted in English, our members represent many languages and regions. CSIDNet is committed to practicing language diversity and creating space for multilingual participation whenever possible, with the long-term goal of supporting multiple working languages across the network.

Which Committees Are Open

We are seeking nominations for all eight CSIDNet committees, including two that are elected by the full membership:

Elected Committees

Governance Committee (6 seats) – Ensures CSIDNet has strong, transparent governance structures and practices that reflect our mission and values.

Advisory Committee (minimum of 3 seats) – Provides guidance and oversight to CSIDNet staff, ensuring operations align with strategy and goals.

Non-Elected Committees (3–10 members each)

• Training & Education – Designs and delivers training opportunities to strengthen member skills and network capacity.
• Communications – Leads external communications, storytelling, and network documentation to share CSIDNet’s work with the world.
• Gatherings & Events – Supports the planning and coordination of CSIDNet’s community gatherings.
• Finance & Fundraising – Guides fundraising strategies and ensures transparent, member-driven stewardship of financial resources.
• Collaborative Committee – Mentors and supports CSIDNet fellows and coordinates fellowship programming.
• Membership & Partnerships – Shapes the member experience, including onboarding, engagement, and partnership-building.

Who Can Be Nominated

To balance openness with commitment, eligibility is as follows:

• Elected Committees (Governance & Advisory): Only current CSIDNet members may run. Members can self-nominate or be nominated by others.
• Non-Elected Committees: Open to both current members and new collaborators who align with CSIDNet’s mission. New collaborators will complete a skills and commitment survey to ensure they are ready to actively participate.

We strongly encourage nominations that reflect the diverse makeup of our global community, including:

• Geography and region
• Career stage (student, early-career, mid-career, senior)
• Discipline and area of expertise
• Type of institution (university, NGO, government, etc.)
• Gender balance
• Racial, ethnic and cultural identities

Already Serving on a Committee?

This new term begins in January 2026 and includes updated term limits. All current committee members should re-apply to continue serving. Returning members will receive priority consideration for non-elected committees.

Ballot Size

To keep the election fair and manageable, CSIDNet will limit the number of candidates per ballot. For the Governance Committee (6 seats), 12–18 candidates will be listed. For the Advisory Committee (minimum 3 seats), 6–10 candidates will be listed. If more eligible nominees apply, the Ad Hoc Appointments Committee will prioritize those whose skills best match the role. Other qualified nominees will be placed in an alternate pool or invited to serve on non-elected committees or in future election cycles.

How to Nominate

There are two ways to participate in the nomination process:

1. Self-Nominate

If you are ready to step forward and serve, complete the Self-Nomination Form. You’ll be asked to share your committee interests, a skills survey, and a short statement about why you want to serve.

2. Nominate Another Member

If you know someone who would be a great fit, submit their name and email via the Nominate Another Member Form. They will then receive an email invitation to complete the full self-nomination form before the deadline.

Key Dates

Oct 7: Nomination period opens

Oct 21: Nomination for Another Member closes

Oct 26: Self-Nominations close

Oct 31 – Nov 17: Voting window for elected committees (2 weeks)

Week of Dec 8: Announcement of 2026–2027 committees

Jan 2026: New committee term begins

Email [email protected] with any questions about the process or eligibility.

Acknowledgements: This program is made possible thanks to the support of the Wellcome Trust. Huge thanks to members of the Ad Hoc Elections and Appointments Committee (alphabetical by first name)–Adamu Saidu Saleh, Gemma Turon, Henry Njoku, Ivan Mukiibi, Mamadou D Coulibaly, Robert Selemani, Sam Amegavi–who helped refine this call and steward the overall process.