We, the South Asia Nitrogen Hub, are a partnership of 32 leading research organisations and engagement partners from South Asia and the UK. We include partners from all 8 SACEP countries to ensure lesson, whether they are cultural, economic or environmental, be shared over the entire region. This highlights positive differences and allow discussions around that prevent better management practices from being adopted.
We are exploring methods of improving nitrogen management in agriculture, which involves saving money on fertilizers and utilizing manure, urine, and natural nitrogen fixation processes more efficiently. Our research aims to promote more profitable and cleaner farming practices in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
Our hub is funded by The UK Research Initiative (UKRI) Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and managed by our executive board, advisory board and coordination team.
The Executive Group is the primary management and decision-making body for the Project. They are responsible for creating policies, managing the budget, ensuring delivery and taking ownership of any risks involved. Any significant strategic or operational matters related to the Project will be decided upon by the Executive Group. They have the power to establish any structure to manage the Project as they see fit. Decisions of the Executive Group will ideally be taken by consensus, but if they cannot reach a consensus, decisions will be made by vote. The Executive Group holds meetings every three months either in person or online.
The Advisory Group is composed of scientific, technical, and project management experts who provide strategic support and advice to the South Asian Nitrogen Hub. Their role is to assess the progress of the project, provide advice and support on potential improvements, and assist with decision-making. The group is involved in SANH Plenary Meetings and six-monthly virtual Advisory Group Meetings, which can be held more frequently if needed. Additionally, the group is responsible for delivering a short Advisory Group report each year in March, as requested by our funders, UKRI. Note that only non-observers can support this function. The group is committed to having a diverse range of scientific experts, with both regional and gender balance. All decisions made by the group are reached by consensus.
Representing the partner organisations of the hub
Due to the large number of partners in the Hub, it is not possible for a representative coverage of the partners to be included within the Executive Group, therefore a Hub Partner Assembly is also included within the Hub, to allow representation from every partner in the Hub to the extent that needs may arise. The Hub Partner Assembly provides an opportunity for any partner of the hub to raise issues with the full hub membership.
The Hub Partner Assembly consists of a representative of the Collaborating Organisation and each Partner Organisation. In case of any voting situations, the Collaborating Organisation will request that each Partner nominates a voting member of the Hub Partner Assembly. The Hub Partner Assembly will be chaired by the Hub Director and may make recommendations for decision by the Executive Group on any topic
The Hub Partner Assembly gathers at every Annual Project Meeting to address implementation, policy, risks and evolving priorities. It also provides each partner with the opportunity to raise issues, if their organisation is not represented at Work Package Lead, Research Programme lead or Executive Group level. Any member of a Project Partner is welcome to attend Hub Partner Assembly meetings.