Call for Executive Committee nominations (2026–2027)

Nominations are open for positions on the Executive Committee for Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). Nomination deadline is 6 December 2025 PST (UTC-8). See the list of positions to be elected and nomination procedure, below.

The term for each role is 2 years, commencing on 1 January 2026.

This is an opportunity to lead the future of biodiversity informatics and work with an enthusiastic team to improve the quality and interoperability of biodiversity data.

TDWG is an international organization that promotes the digitization, integration, and sharing of information about the world’s biodiversity. TDWG provides a forum where individuals, projects, and institutions who manage biodiversity data can come together to share expertise and promote interoperability by promulgating standards and best practices. TDWG also publishes the Biodiversity Information Science and Standards (BISS) journal where papers on issues related to information technology and biodiversity science can be published. You would be a member of the TDWG Executive Committee, which oversees the work of TDWG: coordinates TDWG Interest and Task Groups, manages the review and ratification of standards, manages the organization’s journal, and organizes the annual meeting. These responsibilities are set forth in the Constitution and detailed further in supplementary documents.

Positions on the Executive are staggered two-year terms, such that no more than half of the committee will be new in any year. Towards the end of every calendar year, TDWG holds elections for terms that are expiring and need to be filled for the coming year. Officers elected this year will serve terms from 2026 through 2027. The open positions and their responsibilities are detailed below, followed by the schedule and procedures for nominations and the election.

General responsibilities

All officers, including Subcommittee Chairs, have voting rights on the Executive Committee, and are expected to participate in the committee’s conference calls, which are generally every two weeks. Executive Committee members are expected to find their own support to travel to attend the annual conference. Discounted registration to the conference may be offered.

Offices open for election

Deputy Chair

The Deputy Chair of TDWG holds the post for two years, followed by two years as the Chair. Nominees for Deputy Chair are committing to a four year term in total. The Chair/Deputy Chair leads the activities of TDWG, including, but not limited to presiding overTDWG’s Annual Meeting and over meetings of the Executive Committee. The Chair will seek the guidance of the Executive Committee, TDWG partners and conveners of Interest, Maintenance and Task Groups as needed, to make decisions and maintain the integrity of the organization. They write an annual update to members on TDWG’s status, activities, priorities and vision for the year ahead.

Unless delegated to other Executive Committee members, the Chair represents TDWG at meetings, conferences and other official functions.

Chair of the Technical Architecture Group

The motivation, mission and responsibilities of the Technical Architecture Group are explained on the TAG page. The Chair provides leadership and guidance on TDWG technical architecture and advises the Executive and membership on matters relating to the principles, strategies and practices for maintaining the common technical framework for TDWG standards. The TAG Chair also consults with the TDWG Chair to make certain that the activities of the TAG are in alignment with TDWG goals and priorities.

Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Fundraising and Partnerships

The motivation, mission and responsibilities of the Functional Subcommittee are explained on the Subcommittee’s page. The Chair provides leadership on scientific and other fundraising as well as participation in partnerships for TDWG.

Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Infrastructure

The purpose of the Infrastructure Functional Subcommittee is to maintain the software tools and resources required to support the operation of TDWG. The responsibilities and management of the Subcommittee are explained further on its web page.

Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Time and Place

The motivation, mission and responsibilities of the Functional Subcommittee are explained on the Subcommittee’s page. The Chair provides leadership to develop a rolling plan for TDWG Conferences and other meetings.

Regional Representative for Africa and Regional Representative for Oceania

Regional Representatives give voice to the members, institutions, and projects in their region, and collectively provide a global perspective to the Executive Committee. As members of the Executive Committee, Regional Representatives have responsibility for the oversight of TDWG and the authority to approve/decline strategic initiatives, budgets, and all aspects of operations and activities. The Executive Committee also approves or declines the formation of Interest and Task Groups, as well as the ratification of standards and best practice specifications produced by Interest and Task Groups.

Nomination procedure

To nominate someone for one of the positions above, first confirm that the nominee is willing to accept the responsibilities of the office. Then work with the nominee to send a brief statement of the nominee’s background and vision (maximum 400 words) to the TDWG Secretary (secretary@tdwg.org). Self nominations are accepted. All nominations must be completed and received by 6 December 2025 PST (UTC-8).

Election procedure

The TDWG secretariat will post nominees’ statements to the TDWG website and distribute ballots to all institutional and individual members in good standing. In the case of institutional members, we will notify the primary and secondary contacts, but only one ballot response will be accepted. If you are uncertain about your membership status, please inquire with the TDWG Treasurer (treasurer@tdwg.org). Institutional ballots will be weighted as five individual ballots.

Deadline

Nominations due by 6 December 2025 PST (UTC-8). Ballots will be distributed by email shortly thereafter. Exact date-times will be announced via TDWG announcements and posted here.