Statute

§ 1 Assignment and Definition

The CellNetworks Core Technology Platform is the institutional successor of the Excellence Cluster Cellular Networks and is a central scientific institution pursuant to § 15(7) of the State Higher Education Act (LHG) and § 23 of the University's Basic Regulations. It operates with a scientific orientation and fulfills a technical service mandate. The platform facilitates access to technologies for life sciences research and strengthens collaborative partnerships with non-university institutions.

The CellNetworks Core Technology Platform is assigned to the Rectorate and is subject to its supervisory authority.

§ 2 Tasks

The CellNetworks Core Technology Platform serves as the umbrella organization for core technology facilities in the life sciences at Heidelberg University. Its tasks include developing the framework conditions for the use of technical services in the local research environment. This encompasses:

• Implementing and supporting a unified booking and billing system,
• Providing administrative support for the accreditation processes of core facilities,

• Organizing events for the core facilities,
• Evaluating the core facilities affiliated with the platform, and
• Collaborating with university institutions on knowledge and technology transfer.

Additionally, the CellNetworks Core Technology Platform plays an active role in establishing new technologies and core facilities, including coordinating applications for national and international funding programs. A key aspect of these tasks is maintaining strong relationships with partner organizations at the site and enhancing the international visibility of the core facilities.

§ 3 Committees and Management

The platform is managed by an Executive Directorate consisting of three members, including one spokesperson and two deputy spokespersons. These individuals are proposed by the Steering Committee (as per paragraph 2) from among its professorial members affiliated with the university and are appointed by the Rector. The Executive Directorate is responsible for all matters of the platform not assigned to other bodies or institutions of the university by this or other statutes or legal provisions. The spokesperson, in collaboration with a scientific managing director, oversees the day-to-day operations of the platform and serves as the contact person for the university's bodies and committees on matters concerning the platform.

The spokesperson reports to the Steering Committee and, at least annually, to the General Assembly (§ 4), the Rectorate, and the Research Council of Field of Focus 1 (FoF1; Molecular Foundations of Life, Health, and Disease) on the platform's activities and is obliged to provide information to these bodies and committees at any time.

The tasks of the CellNetworks Core Technology Platform are supported by a Scientific Steering Committee. This committee advises the Executive Directorate on significant matters concerning the platform. The Steering Committee's approval is required for:

• Decisions affecting the platform's objectives,
• Amendments to this statute,
• Budget proposals submitted by the Executive Directorate,
• Admission or exclusion of core facilities to or from the platform; in such cases, the two representatives of the CellNetworks core facilities (as per paragraph 3) are considered to have a conflict of interest and do not have voting rights,
• Personnel appointments to scientific positions affiliated with the platform.

Furthermore, the Steering Committee functions as a selection committee for technology calls issued by the FoF1 Research Council.

The Steering Committee comprises:

• Ten professors from various research fields and life science institutions,

• Two representatives of the core facilities,
• Two representatives of early-career researchers,
• The scientific managing director of the platform,
• The spokesperson and deputy spokespersons of the platform.

The members of the Steering Committee are appointed by the Rector upon the proposal of the Executive Directorate. The term of office for members is three years; reappointment is permissible.

§ 4 General Assembly

The General Assembly consists of all members of the platform, including the staff of the affiliated core facilities. It convenes at least once a year. The General Assembly serves to inform members about the platform's activities and to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences among the core facilities.

§ 5 Membership

Membership in the platform is open to core facilities in the life sciences at Heidelberg University that meet the platform's quality standards and are approved by the Steering Committee. The Executive Directorate maintains a list of affiliated core facilities.

§ 6 Evaluation

The core facilities affiliated with the platform are subject to regular evaluation to ensure compliance with quality standards and to promote continuous improvement. The evaluation process is coordinated by the Executive Directorate in consultation with the Steering Committee.

§ 7 Amendments to the Statute

Amendments to this statute require the approval of the Steering Committee and the Senate of Heidelberg University.

§ 8 Entry into Force

This statute enters into force on the day following its publication in the Official Announcements of Heidelberg University.

Disclaimer:

This is an English translation of the original German document titled “Satzung der CellNetworks Core Technology Platform der Universität Heidelberg”. This translation is provided for informational purposes only. In the event of any discrepancies or legal disputes, solely the German version of the document shall be legally binding.

Satzung der CellNetworks Core Technology Platform der Universität Heidelberg