Boards

Project Leads

The Project leads in the NUM Study Network play a central role in driving the development, coordination, and implementation of the NUM Study Network and are responsible for the implementation of the work plan.
They ensure that the development of the network aligns with the network’s strategic goals, facilitate collaboration across work packages and sub-networks, and oversee the quality and feasibility of each project. By guiding studies from initial request through to site piloting and execution, project leads help maintain scientific rigor and operational efficiency throughout the entire study lifecycle.

Members are:

• Prof. J. Janne Vehreschild
• Prof. Peter Heuschmann
• Prof. Martin Sedlmayr
• Prof. Martin Witzenrath

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee (Lenkungsausschuss) of the NUM Study Network consists of appointed and mandated members representing key stakeholder groups in clinical research across Germany.

The composision includes:

• Appointed members, such as project coordinators, representatives of clinical researchers, patient perspectives, internal and external site representatives.
• Mandated members, nominated by organizations like German University Medicine (MFT, VUD), the KKS Network, the German Centers for Health Research (DZG), and medical ethics committees (AK-EK).
• Advisory members, including the NUM Coordination Office and representatives from related NUM projects.

Each member has a designated deputy, and the committee aims for a minimum of 50% female representation. Members serve a two-year term, with reappointment possible.

Tasks

The Steering Committee is the central decision-making body of the NUM Study Netzwork.

Its responsibilities include:

• Strategic direction and development of the network’s governance
• Decisions on quality standards, participation criteria, and milestones
• Defining cooperation rules and interfaces within the NUM Study Network and with external partners
• Approving operational rules, SOPs, and collaboration with third parties
• Making binding decisions for integrated Specialty Networks (Fachnetzwerke), unless topics are strictly domain-specific

The committee strives for consensus and formalizes decisions either in meetings or via written procedures.

Forum

The Forum brings together a broad range of stakeholders to support and accompany the development of the NUM Study Network.

The composition includes:

• Representatives from NUM Study Network sites
• Research organizations
• Professional societies
• Government bodies
• Funding agencies
• Other relevant infrastructures

Each entity nominates one member and one deputy, with an emphasis on gender balance (at least 50% female representation across members and deputies).
The specific composition is defined by the Steering Committee and may evolve with the project’s needs.

Tasks

The Forum serves as an advisory and participatory platform for the NUM Study Network.

Its responsibilities include:

• Providing input and feedback on strategic and operational developments
• Monitoring project progress and ensuring alignment with broader clinical research goals
• Supporting coordination and communication across stakeholder groups

Although the Forum has no formal decision-making power, its discussions are recorded, and its positions may be reflected in official Steering Committee decisions.