The following provides a brief overview of the structure of the IERS. For a graphical presentation, please refer to the Organization chart. For further details, consult the Terms of Reference and follow the links below.
According to the Terms of Reference, the IERS accomplishes its mission through the following components:
The Technique Centres are autonomous, independent services which cooperate with the IERS. They are responsible for developing and organizing the activities in each contributing observational technique.
The Product Centres are responsible for the products of the IERS.
The ITRS Combination Centres are responsible to provide ITRF products by combining ITRF inputs from the Technique Centres and others. Such products are provided to the ITRS Product Center.
The ITRS Combination Centres are currently maintained by the following institutions:
Research Centres have not yet been established.
The Analysis Coordinator is responsible for the long-term and internal consistency of the IERS reference frames and other products. The Analysis Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the appropriate combination of the Technique Centres' products into the single set of official IERS products and the archiving of the products at the Central Bureau or elsewhere.
The Central Bureau is responsible for the general management of the IERS, consistent with the directives and policies set by the Directing Board, i.e., acts as the executive arm of the Directing Board. The Central Bureau facilitates communications, coordinates activities, monitors operations, maintains documentation, archives products and relevant information, and organizes reports, meetings, and workshops.
The DB exercises general control over the activities of the service and modifies the organization as appropriate to maintain efficiency and reliability, while taking full advantage of the advances in technology and theory.
Working Groups may be established by the DB to investigate particular topics related to the IERS components. Working groups are limited to a term of two years with a possible one-time re-appointment.
