Purpose

SRNT Networks provide members with opportunities to collaborate, share expertise, develop leadership skills, and advance research, policy, education, and treatment efforts related to nicotine and tobacco. Networks play an important role in fostering engagement among members and supporting the Society’s mission.

This guide outlines the structure, responsibilities, and best practices for Network leadership and operations.

 

Network Leadership

Network Co-Chairs

Each Network is led by Co-Chairs who are responsible for overseeing Network activities and serving as the primary points of contact between the Network and SRNT.

Co-Chairs are appointed by the SRNT President and approved by the Board of Directors following nomination by the Network Advisory Committee.

Co-Chair responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic direction for the Network
• Leading Advisory Committee meetings
• Supporting member engagement and recruitment
• Coordinating educational and networking activities
• Facilitating leadership succession planning
• Working collaboratively with SRNT staff
• Supporting Annual Meeting programming efforts
• Ensuring compliance with SRNT policies and procedures
  
  

Disclosure of Competing Interests

All Network Co-Chairs must complete the SRNT Disclosure of Competing Interest Form annually.

The disclosure form identifies sources of funding, salary support, consulting relationships, and other relevant activities in accordance with SRNT policies. Completed forms are maintained in accordance with Society procedures.

Advisory Committees

Each Network should maintain an active Advisory Committee to support Network operations and strategic initiatives.

Advisory Committees should generally consist of 5–8 members in addition to the Co-Chairs.

Networks are encouraged to seek representation from:

• Multiple geographic regions
• Various career stages
• Diverse disciplinary backgrounds
• Different sectors and institutions
• Historically underrepresented groups

Advisory Committee members assist with:

• Strategic planning
• Webinar development
• Member engagement
• Communications
• Annual Meeting activities
• Leadership succession planning

Advisory Committee appointments are subject to SRNT approval processes.

Network Operations

Meetings

Networks are encouraged to hold regular meetings throughout the year.

Typical activities include:

• Advisory Committee meetings
• Network business meetings
• Planning sessions
• Working group meetings
• Educational webinars

SRNT staff can assist with scheduling, registration, communications, and virtual meeting logistics.

Communications

Regular communication helps maintain member engagement and awareness of Network activities.

Communication methods may include:

• Email announcements
• Network webpages
• Newsletters
• Webinars
• Annual Meeting activities
• Social media promotion through approved SRNT channels

Network leaders should coordinate with SRNT staff regarding communications and promotional activities.

Network Webpages

Each Network maintains a webpage within the SRNT website.

Network leaders should periodically review webpage content to ensure information remains accurate and current.

Updates may include:

• Leadership changes
• Upcoming events
• Webinar recordings
• Resources and publications
• Committee opportunities
• Member announcements

Requests for webpage updates should be submitted to SRNT staff.

Webinars and Educational Programming

Networks are encouraged to provide educational opportunities throughout the year.

Examples include:

• Research webinars
• Professional development sessions
• Policy discussions
• Career development workshops
• Collaborative programming with other Networks

SRNT staff can assist with:

• Scheduling
• Registration
• Marketing
• Attendance tracking
• Recording and archiving materials

Working Groups and Subcommittees

Networks may establish subcommittees or working groups to advance specific initiatives.

Examples include:

• Communications
• Membership engagement
• Education and training
• Annual Meeting planning
• Publications and manuscripts
• Policy initiatives

Working groups may be temporary or ongoing and should provide regular updates to Network leadership.

Upon completion of their objectives, temporary working groups may be dissolved.

Member Engagement

Networks are encouraged to foster active member participation throughout the year.

Examples include:

• Networking opportunities
• Mentorship initiatives
• Collaborative projects
• Volunteer opportunities
• Educational events
• Career development activities

Networks should seek opportunities to engage members across all career stages and regions.

Annual Meeting Activities

Networks play an important role in the SRNT Annual Meeting.

Network leadership is encouraged to:

• Promote abstract submissions
• Develop symposium proposals
• Support workshops and educational programming
• Facilitate networking opportunities
• Engage trainees and early career investigators
• Collaborate with other Networks on shared interests

Annual Meeting deadlines and submission requirements are communicated separately through SRNT’s meeting planning process.

Leadership Transitions

Effective leadership transitions help ensure continuity of Network operations.

Outgoing leaders should:

• Transfer relevant documents and records
• Review ongoing projects and priorities
• Introduce incoming leaders to key contacts
• Share lessons learned and recommendations
• Coordinate with SRNT staff regarding leadership updates

Whenever possible, outgoing and incoming leaders should work together during a transition period to support a smooth transfer of responsibilities.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Global Engagement

Networks are encouraged to foster inclusive participation and representation in leadership, programming, and member engagement activities.

Network leaders should consider diversity across:

• Geography
• Career stage
• Scientific discipline
• Professional setting
• Lived experience
• Demographic background

A diverse leadership structure strengthens the Network and supports SRNT’s mission as an international scientific society.

Relationship to SRNT

Network leaders and Advisory Committee members may not speak on behalf of SRNT, establish official Society positions, or conduct fundraising activities without prior authorization from the SRNT Board of Directors. Questions regarding advocacy, fundraising, or external communications should be directed to SRNT staff.

Staff Support

SRNT staff are available to assist Networks with:

• Leadership transitions
• Membership engagement
• Website updates
• Email communications
• Webinar planning
• Virtual meeting logistics
• Annual Meeting coordination
• Strategic planning support

Questions regarding Network operations should be directed to the SRNT Networks Manager, Mandy Engels.

 

Last Updated: June 2026

This guide may be updated periodically to reflect changes in SRNT policies, procedures, and operational practices.