The Ocean Floor

Synthesis Working Groups (SWGs) are an outcome-oriented, bottom-up tool that enables broad participation from within and outside the Cluster. Based on an envisioned number of six calls for proposals, two to three groups will be formed for each call and will run for one year. Small teams submit a short description of their hypotheses, expected data availability, and a list of participants (group size <20).

Beyond data-centered meta-analyses, SWGs may focus on integrating model outputs with quantitative outcomes or on an analytical approach based on model formulation. However, some synthesis efforts may defy this quantitative approach, as they are based on highly divergent or specific information. In these cases, conceptual synthesis efforts may be more appropriate.

Applicants must include at least one Cluster member and one to several national or international external proponents. A team consisting of the Research Area speakers and the SYNTHESIS HUB lead scientist will evaluate the applications. Evaluation criteria include scientific excellence, fit, and diversity dimensions. Selected SWG proposals will receive workspace and time to conduct the synthesis project. This includes support for travel and accommodations for external SWG participants, technical support from the Cluster Data Stewards and the management office, and HWK support. On average, each SWG will last one year and receive funding for three meetings. Interim periods will be used for data or model assembly and analysis. We expect to fund two to three SWGs per call and offer them our training module (see below). The lead SYNTHESIS HUB scientist may participate in SWGs.