What happens after I submit my expression of interest?

Nicole reviews all expressions of interest personally. If there's a potential fit, you'll receive a short follow-up questionnaire and an invitation to a 20-minute conversation. Most applicants hear back within 2–3 weeks. We accept a small number of contributors per cycle, so not every expression of interest leads to an invitation — but we do respond to everyone.

Do I need a research background?

Not necessarily. Some of our strongest contributors have been practitioners — village founders, architects, lawyers — with direct field access and no formal research training. 

What matters is that you have something substantive to contribute and can work within a structured research protocol. Methodological skills are helpful but teachable; access and creativity are harder to find.

Can I propose a new working group topic?

Yes, and we actively encourage it. If you have a specific research question that feels important and under-examined, include it in your expression of interest. Terrenity's best research threads have often come from practitioner-identified gaps rather than top-down agenda setting. We review proposals quarterly.

Is this remote or in-person?

Primarily remote and asynchronous. Groups meet on one optional video call per month, which is recorded for members who can't attend live. Some research cycles involve optional in-person field visits. These are never mandatory but are sometimes very valuable. Nicole travels extensively, and researchers are spread globally.

Is participation paid?

Working group participation is unpaid. Members contribute their time and expertise in exchange for credited authorship, early access to all research outputs, and other perks. If you are a consultant or researcher whose time has a significant commercial value, this may not be the right arrangement, but we are open to discussing formal research partnerships.