 The structure of IHEC is based on a distributed organizational model. This model has been successfully used in other international genome projects, and relies on the interaction among funders (providing oversight), an international scientific steering committee (setting guidelines), and scientific groups and centers (data production centers, regional or national-level data analysis and coordination centers).
IHEC consists of two committees and a number of different working groups. Since the launch of IHEC in 2010, the work of the consortium has evolved dynamically, with emerging priorities and ongoing core activities. This is reflected by the varying thematic orientations of the working groups over time. Each of these working groups integrates key scientific and stakeholder expertise from around the world. The responsibilities and members of the current and past working groups are detailed below. Current working group typically meet virtually once per month.
IHEC Committees
Executive Committee
Oversight of IHEC is provided by an Executive Committee (EXEC), constituted of individuals nominated by the IHEC Funding Members.
- Dr Eric Marcotte
Chair
- Dr Tomasz Dylag
Co-Chair
Internat. Scientific Steering Committee
The International Scientific Steering Committee (ISSC) acts a scientific coordinating body for IHEC, and is comprised of lead scientists on funded projects.
- Dr Martin Hirst
Chair
- Prof. Dr Jörn Walter
Co-Chair
Current Working Groups
Assay Standards & Data Ecosystem
The Assay Standards & Data Ecosystem working group's mandate is to define: assays required for a reference epigenome, standardized protocols and quality control (QC) metrics, and standardized analysis pipelines. Moreover, the group coordinates among IHEC members to define methods and standards for the sharing of raw and processed data.
- Dr Martin Hirst
Chair
Bioethics
The Bioethics working group is a multidisciplinary group of researchers interested in the relationship between epigenetic science, ethics and policy.
- Dr Yann Joly
Chair
- Prof. Dr Stephan Beck
Co-Chair
Communications
The Communications working group's mandate is to coordinate the communication activities between the committees and the working groups, as well as ensuring that IHEC activities and achievements are communicated effectively to the rest of the community and the wider public.
- Dr Eric Marcotte
Chair
- Prof. Dr Jörn Walter
Co-Chair
Integrative Analysis
The Integrative Analysis Working Group focuses on tools for epigenomics data analyses and the results of data integration projects. The goal is to encourage method sharing and discussion and the format includes rotating presentation by the various IHEC member consortia.
- Dr Guillaume Bourque
Chair
- Prof. Dr Stephan Beck
Co-Chair
Past Working Groups
Cell Group
- Dr Toshikazu Ushijima
Chair
Metadata Standards
- Prof. Dr Aleksandar Milosavljevic
Chair