IODP-MI is responsible for overseeing the implementation of a large number of tasks, including operational planning, engineering development, database management, education and outreach, publications, and repository oversight.  IODP-MI utilizes task forces to assist in implementation where necessary. The purpose of task forces is to focus the advice obtained from SAS and provide concrete advice on policy, so that IODP-MI can proceed with implementation. All task forces in general, will be appointed on an ad hoc basis and usually will include SAS members, representatives from the IOs, and other experts. The members of the task forces will not be nominated by outside bodies but will be chosen by IODP-MI. Task forces will not be asked to write RFPs. The policy formulations by the task forces, however, will often guide IODP-MI personnel in writing RFPs.
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The Management Forum will tackle issues that concern IODP as a whole. It will review and offer advice on policies, procedures, and current and future activities. The Management Forum, while representing the views of the various separate entities that comprise IODP, will also be able to express a joint perspective on the program.

Membership
The Management Forum includes key personnel from IODP-MI, the Heads of the Implementing Organizations, the Chairs of the Advisory Committees of the National Program Offices, the SPC Chair, and the SASEC Chair.

Meeting Frequency
One annual two-day meeting in the form of a “retreat.”      

Meeting Reports                             

The IODP-MI Operations Task Force's (formerly known as OPCOM) primary function is to formulate the most logistically, fiscally effective operational plans to meet the objectives set forth in IODP's 10-year science plan, prioritized by the SPC. The scheduling strategy involves: (1) examining science plans for each proposal; (2) determining operational and environmental constraints; (3) developing a matrix that combines the SPC science plan with operational and environmental constraints and risk, operational days at sea, and transits; and (4) adding fiscal reality to viable options forwarded to the SPC.

Membership
OTF members comprise the IODP-MI Vice President of Science Operations, IODP-MI Vice President of Science Planning, 1-3 representatives from each Implementing Organization, the Chair of the Science Planning Committee plus 2 additional SPC members.

Meeting Frequency
The Task Force meets approximately 2-3 times/year. One primary (2 day) scheduling meeting occurs in June (following the spring SPC proposal rankings). Shorter (1/2 day) meetings generally are held in conjunction with the spring and fall SPC meetings or when required.

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IODP-MI Operations Review Task Force conducts operational reviews of IODP Expeditions. The Task Force review is based upon confidential reports submitted by the IO and expedition co-chief scientists. These operational reviews focus on "lessons learned" and "how do we do things better in the future?" Areas of discussion include pre-expedition planning, expedition drilling operations, communications between scientists and operators, roles and responsibilities of scientists and operators, general procedures and policies (e.g., curation, communications), laboratory operations, etc. Each of these operational reviews results in recommendations that are compiled into a short summary report that is posted on the IODP website.

Membership
ORTF members comprises the IODP-MI Vice President of Science Operations (Chair), IODP-MI President, 3-5 representatives from the IO under review, 1 representative from each IO not under review, the Co-Chief Scientists for the expedition under review, 3 scientists with knowledge about IODP and the expedition under review, and 3 industry representatives.

Meeting Frequency
The ORTF convenes two-to-four months post-expedition. In the case of MSP operations, 2-4 months following the shore-based portion of the expedition.

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The Engineering Task Force assists IODP-MI in its effort to bring appropriate technology to the program that is required to meet the science objectives detailed in the IODP Initial Science Plan. In particular, the ETF helps IODP-MI establish a long-term engineering vision for the program, evaluate and use advice provided by the IODP Science Advisory Structure to prioritize and implement engineering initiatives, assist IODP-MI identify potential vendors and additional engineering experts as required, and help IODP-MI review on-going engineering development projects. Major agenda topics and areas of interest include:

Membership
ETF is chaired by the IODP-MI Engineering and Operations Manager and comprises 8 industry, academic, and government experts on instrument design, drilling techniques, and emerging technologies, as well as one liaison from each IO.

Meeting Frequency
The Engineering Task Force holds one to two meetings per year, primarily after the SAS Engineering Development Panel (EDP) prioritizes proposals at its summer meeting for the FY+2 Annual Program Plan.

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The Curatorial Advisory Board represents a variety of scientific disciplines and has several main roles including:

Membership
The Curatorial Advisory Board is chaired by the IODP-MI Vice President of Science Planning. Members also include the IODP-MI Vice President of Science Operations and three members of the scientific community. The latter serve overlapping four-year terms and are nominated by the Scientific Technology Panel.

Meeting Frequency
The Curatorial Advisory Board conducts all business via email. Members may meet on an ad hoc basis at meetings of opportunity (e.g., SAS Panel meetings).

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The objective of the Data Management Task Force is to develop a user-friendly data portal to access and display data generated by the program. The Task Force is also charged with issuing RFPs related to the data portal, associated search engines or visualization tools, and existing or emerging technologies relevant to the program.

Membership
The Data Management Task Force is chaired by the IODP-MI Data Manager and is populated by the IODP-MI Publications Manager, IO liaisons, and community specialists within the field of digital library technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geo-referenced data, Web services, data visualization and cyber-infra structure. The (DMTF) is composed of external experts in the following fields:

Meeting Frequency
The Data Management Task Force works by e-mail and may meet 1-2 times per year.

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The Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Taskforce established the framework for QA/QC procedures for measurements made on all IODP platforms and shore-based facilities and monitors the success of the implemented QA/QC framework. The Task Force was concluded; QA/QC procedures established can be found in the Meeting Reports.

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This Task Force has its roots in planning workshops that took place in February and May of 2004 with a group of advisors convened by the IODP-MI President to construct a fundamental framework of duties and responsibilities to be carried out in an integrated IODP Education and Outreach program. The Task Force has since evolved into a group with two-fold responsibilities: devising and implementing creative education and outreach strategies meant to raise IODP visibility while heightening understanding of scientific ocean drilling; and providing effective counsel to the IODP community in relation to program policies and practices that impact outreach efforts.

Membership
The Education and Outreach Task Force is chaired by the IODP-MI Director of Communications. Members comprise outreach specialists from each of the IOs.

Members

Nancy Light, Chair		IODP-MI
Susan Boa		USIO
Jon Corsiglia		USIO
Jun Fukutomi		CDEX
Albert Gerdes		ESO
Alan Stevenson		ESO
Tadashi Yoshizawa		CDEX

Meeting Frequency.
The Task Force meets once per year, with its primary forms to produce an Integrated Annual Outreach Program Plan.

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The IODP-MI Expedition Science Communication Task Force (ESC-TF) was a short-term task force created to address issues related to: (1) publication during the expedition moratorium period of IODP findings in high impact, fast-tracking journals imposing temporary publication embargos on the program; (2) how to maximize the distribution and impact of scientific discoveries on the science community as well as on the broader public; and (3) integration of the scientists in the news release process. The ESC-TF made recommendations to streamline the communications process during and following IODP expeditions.

The Task Force’s business was conducted exclusively through e-mail until it concluded with a report and recommendations.

NanTroSEIZE Project Management Team Members

Thomas Janecek, Chair		IODP-MI
Gaku Kimura		University of Tokyo
Masa Kinoshita (Co-chief Project Scientist)		IFREE, JAMSTEC
Adam Klaus		USIO
Shin'ichi Kuramoto		CDEX
Hans Christian Larsen		IODP-MI
Greg Moore		CDEX
Harold Tobin (Co-Chief Project Scientist)		University of Wisconsin
Mike Underwood		University of Missouri
IO technical representatives as required
SAS representatives if applicable

Meeting Reports