Structure

GeoSentinel is a program of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM), which provides organizational oversight, administrative infrastructure, and operational support for the network. The ISTM Executive Director serves as the primary liaison between the ISTM Executive Board and GeoSentinel leadership.

GeoSentinel operates through a core surveillance program supported by dedicated leadership and staff, while separately funded research projects may be led by project-specific directors who work in collaboration with the core team.

Organogram

Governance

Operational Oversight Council

The Operational Oversight Council provides administrative, financial, legal, and operational oversight for GeoSentinel. Its members include the ISTM Executive Director, Scientific Director, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Advisor, CDC Project Officer, and other representatives as needed. The Council meets at least quarterly.

Scientific Council

The Scientific Council sets the scientific and strategic direction of the network. It includes network leadership, project directors, regional representatives, scientific staff, and CDC representatives. The Council provides guidance on surveillance priorities, research initiatives, scientific outputs, and funding opportunities.

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Leadership

Scientific Director

Provides overall scientific leadership for GeoSentinel, including surveillance priorities, research strategy, scientific integrity, publications oversight, and network development. The Scientific Director works closely with network staff, project leaders, and CDC partners.

Chief Operating Officer

Leads the administrative, financial, and operational management of GeoSentinel. The COO oversees budgets, contracts, compliance, and organizational partnerships while supporting the implementation of network priorities.

ISTM Executive Director

Provides executive oversight and organizational accountability for GeoSentinel, ensuring alignment with ISTM governance, strategy, and mission.

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Core Operations

Core Surveillance Project Director

Oversees the day-to-day scientific operation of the surveillance network, including protocol implementation, scientific quality, and coordination with participating sites and collaborators.

Network Administrative Manager

Supports network operations by coordinating participating sites, managing communications, facilitating onboarding and training, and overseeing network logistics and reporting.

Data Scientist

Leads data management, quality assurance, analytics, reporting, and geospatial analyses to support surveillance and research activities across the network.

CDC Project Officer

Serves as GeoSentinel’s primary liaison within CDC, providing epidemiologic expertise, supporting analyses and publications, and facilitating collaboration on surveillance and outbreak activities.

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Network Participation

Site Directors lead the clinical and research sites that comprise the GeoSentinel network. They oversee surveillance activities, ensure data quality, participate in scientific initiatives, and represent their sites within the global network.

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Standing Committees

External Collaboration Committee (ECCO)

ECCO develops policies and guidance for external data-sharing collaborations and reviews requests for access to GeoSentinel data.

Publications Processes Committee

The Publications Processes Committee supports publication policies, authorship guidance, recognition of contributions, and publication best practices across the network.

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