About SURF
Organisation & governance
Our members are represented in the Members' Council, the highest body within the cooperative. The Members' Council appoints the Board of Directors, which, among other things, determines SURF's policy and strategy. In addition, the Supervisory Board and the Scientific Technical Council (WTR) are part of the organisational structure. The members of the WTR are also appointed by the Members' Council.
Each SURF member institution appoints a Coordinating SURF Contact (CSC). In addition, various communities and special interest groups (SIGs) are active within SURF.
Within the SURF organisation, there are six business units responsible for carrying out tactical and operational tasks. Each unit has its own director.
The Business Operations unit manages and supports the SURF organisation to ensure that its association activities, service provision and (innovation) projects are carried out as effectively as possible. By streamlining processes and facilitating an effective and efficient working environment, it supports SURF in delivering affordable, high-quality services in accordance with agreed policies and legislation and regulations.
 The Engagement & Futuring unit connects member institutions, their staff and stakeholders with one another, enabling them to jointly translate their digitalisation goals into strategies that promote innovation and transformation within education and research.The unit advises on services that align with these objectives, manages client processes, facilitates and advises on strategic discussions, and provides information on possible solutions, enabling institutions and stakeholders to make well-informed decisions.
The Trusted Digital Infrastructures unit supports education and research institutions with a secure, reliable and innovative digital infrastructure that connects people, data and resources.Together with the institutions’ IT departments, the unit develops advanced services and solutions in the fields of network infrastructure, access management and security, which drive forward the digital transformation in education and research, whilst upholding public values and digital sovereignty.
The Advanced Solutions for Research unit facilitates scientific research in the Netherlands through an advanced digital infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive support. By continuously innovating and collaborating internationally, the unit ensures that its services meet current and future research needs.
 The Procurement & Delivery unit ensures the best terms of use and opportunities to make optimal use of IT facilities sourced from the market for education and research. Together with its members, the unit maximises the value of procured services through economies of scale, shared expertise and robust agreements on privacy and security, operating from an independent position.
 The Accessible and Open Education & Research unit develops forward-looking (technical) solutions for open, accessible and flexible education and research. The unit enhances the quality and digital sovereignty of education and research by establishing collective agreements and exploring new possibilities together with the target group, with the aim of bringing about sustainable change.
