Introduction The scientific work in the Network is typically urged on by two different driving forces: On the one hand there is the bottom-up, grass roots momentum created by individual researchers pushing their interests and trying to set up collaboration on a one-to-one basis. In addition however, there is also room for a second and complementary top-down approach: one in which ambitious high-level goals are set and research groups are challenged to contribute to the grand vision. Clearly, the Grand Challenges in the Integration WP fit squarely within the latter category. However, to further emphasize this top-down pulling-force, the Steering Committee has decided to endorse a number of Intermediate Challenges and to invite researchers (both within and outside the Network) to contribute to the corresponding Roadmaps. The difference between the Roadmaps and the more traditional Workplan (with its tasks and deliverables as detailed in the Description of Work) is twofold: - Whereas the WP's Workplan specifies a number of contractual obligations (in terms of tasks and deliverables), the Roadmaps should be thought of as an invitation to collectively define and explore an ambitious vision. As a consequence, there is more room for curiosity-driven blue-sky research that is able to respond with appropriate alertness to emerging opportunities.
- In contradistinction to WPs, Roadmaps are not as strictly constrained by a very tight (12 or 18 month) time-schedule. Indeed, whereas for WP-deliverables, timeliness is of the essence, the priority in the case of Roadmaps is to indicate research directions that through their "pulling-power" will enthuse researchers to pool resources and to collectively make a difference. They can therefore span longer periods, even extending beyond the nominal end-date of the Network (thus ensuring lasting collaboration).
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