OME Participation Agreement

Introduction

The Open Microscopy Environment (OME) is an international, community-driven effort to develop open software and standards for biological imaging data. Its impact derives from the close integration of software development, data formats, and community practices, enabling interoperable, FAIR bioimaging workflows at scale.

This document defines the shared expectations for individuals taking on formal roles of responsibility within the OME ecosystem, including members of governance bodies, editorial groups, and maintainers of OME Recognized Projects (ORPs).

These guidelines are not legally binding, but instead establish a common understanding of participation, responsibility, and collaboration across the OME community.

1. Aims

Participants in formal OME roles collectively aim to:

1.1. Sustain and evolve open, interoperable software and standards for bioimaging data. 1.2. Ensure the long-term stability, usability, and accessibility of OME technologies. 1.3. Promote FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). 1.4. Support a transparent, inclusive, and community-driven ecosystem.

2. Roles and Participation

2.1. This agreement applies to individuals serving in roles including, but not limited to:

• Members of the OME Management Group (OMG)
• Members of Editorial or Specification Boards
• Maintainers and Admins of OME Recognized Projects (ORPs)

2.2. Participation in these roles is based on sustained and substantial contributions, trust, and alignment with OME’s goals.

2.3. Roles may evolve over time as the governance model matures; additional mechanisms (e.g., rotation, terms) may be introduced as needed.

3. Expectations of Participation

Individuals in formal roles are expected to demonstrate:

3.1. Active Engagement Regularly participate in discussions, reviews, and decision-making processes relevant to their role.

3.2. Stewardship Act in the long-term interest of the OME ecosystem, prioritizing stability, interoperability, and community benefit over individual or institutional interests.

3.3. Collaboration Work constructively with other contributors and groups, including across projects and institutions.

3.4. Responsiveness Provide timely feedback on issues, proposals, and reviews, or communicate clearly when unavailable.

3.5. Transparency Contribute to open processes wherever possible, including public discussions, documented decisions, and accessible governance practices.

4. Decision-Making

4.1. Decision-making processes are defined by the relevant body (e.g., OMG, Editorial Boards, ORP maintainers), generally aiming for consensus.

4.2. Where consensus cannot be reached, lightweight voting or escalation mechanisms may be used, as defined by the respective group.

4.3. Individuals are expected to participate in decision-making in good faith and with respect for differing perspectives.

5. Scope of Responsibility

5.1. Individuals act as stewards of shared infrastructure, including software, specifications, and community processes.

5.2. Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing and merging contributions
• Maintaining documentation and standards
• Supporting users and contributors
• Act as a representative of OME in collaborations and external interactions

5.3. Roles are responsibility-bearing, not purely honorary; continued participation implies ongoing engagement.

6. Changes in Participation

6.1. Individuals may step down from their role at any time by notifying the relevant group.

6.2. If an individual becomes inactive or unable to fulfill expectations, responsibilities may be reassigned to ensure continuity.

6.3. Mechanisms for onboarding new participants and offboarding existing ones will be defined and refined over time, based on community needs and experience.

7. Acknowledgement

Participants upon taking on a formal OME role acknowledge this agreement in writing as a shared understanding of expectations and responsibilities. The individuals listed below have indicated their support for and participation in the OME governance framework by signing a specific version of the OME Agreement.

To become a signatory, please:

1. Obtain a copy of the Agreement corresponding to the version or commit identifier listed below.
2. Print and sign the document.
3. Submit a scanned copy of the signed signature page to agreement@openmicroscopy.org.

Each signature is associated with the specific version of the Agreement that was reviewed and signed. Subsequent modifications to the Agreement do not alter previously recorded signatures.

7. Evolution of the Agreement

7.1. This document is expected to evolve alongside the OME governance model.

7.2. Revisions may be proposed by any participating member or group submitted to the OMG for adoption through the decision-making processes defined in the OMG charter.

Version history
Date	Description
April 2026	Original proposal
June 2026	Refinement after review