Special Interest Groups
ISOQOL’s Special Interest Group (SIG) program allows members to connect with professionals who have a similar career focus or are in the same geographic area. SIGs are responsible for ongoing activities driven by the grassroot interests of SIG members, offering networking and collaborative opportunities throughout the year.
Why Join a SIG
Purpose Statement
The Special Interest Group (SIG) Program is the grassroots of ISOQOL, creating communities that foster networking, collaboration, and contributions to health related quality of life research. SIGs contribute content to ISOQOL initiatives, offer pathways to ISOQOL leadership, and support implementation of the Strategic Plan.
Member Value Statement
The SIG Program offers ISOQOL members meaningful opportunities to connect with peers, share expertise, and grow professionally within focused areas of interest. By participating in a SIG, members gain access to collaborative networks, leadership development pathways, and a platform to share, collaborate and contribute to the science and research of health related quality of life research (i.e., publications and other projects).
How to Join a SIG or Change Your SIG Membership
Members can change their SIG selection at any time by completing the steps below. Not an ISOQOL member yet? Become one today!
- Log in to your ISOQOL Member Profile and select the SIG Sign-Up tab.
- Check the boxes next to the SIGs you want to join and save your changes.
- You will receive an invitation email from the ISOQOL Community Platform to access the SIG. (Please note that this may take up to 24 hours.)
- Log in to the ISOQOL Community Platform directly or by using the invitation email.
- Select the SIG name from the menu and complete the short form to join the group.
While there is no limit to how many SIGs you can join, the average ISOQOL member is engaged in up to three SIGs.
How to Communicate within Your SIG
The ISOQOL Community Platform allows SIG members to share knowledge, find collaborators, and more. Access the community on your desktop or on your phone!
For help navigating the platform, download the ISOQOL Community User’s Guide or visit the Support Center.
Networking and Collaboration
In addition to the online networking available through the ISOQOL Community Platform, SIGs offer other opportunities for engagement.
Annual Conference SIG Meetings
Every SIG has an in-person meeting at the Annual Conference. This meeting is a great way to network, plan future initiatives and connect with your peers.
Visit the Events page for more information on this year’s conference schedule.
SIG Projects
Not only do SIGs serve as the grassroots of ISOQOL, but they also serve a vital function in providing professional development opportunities for ISOQOL members. All SIG members are encouraged to connect with SIG Leadership on potential projects.
Collaborating on a SIG project or serving a term as a SIG chair is a great way to build your CV and gain recognition in your field. Collaboration opportunities are not limited within a SIG. It is common for multiple SIGs to collaborate on a single project.
Commonly Submitted Projects
While SIG projects are not limited to the list below, these are the most common projects proposed by ISOQOL SIGs.
- Virtual SIG Events
- Symposia
- Publications
- Surveys
- Research
You can always review the SIG Annual Reports to see current and past projects from other SIGs. Annual Reports are available in the ISOQOL Community Platform.
Process for Submitting a Proposal
Please contact your SIG Leadership before submitting a proposal. Another similar project may be in the works. Your SIG Chair can connect you for collaboration. Proposals are sent to the ISOQOL office where they are then forwarded to the appropriate section of ISOQOL Leadership.
Finding Collaborators
If you need help finding collaborators or fine-tuning a topic, the ISOQOL Community Platform is a great resource for seeking help from fellow members. Creating a discussion thread is a great way to develop projects.
Becoming a SIG Leader
Every spring, ISOQOL staff coordinates with current SIG leadership to identify potential candidates for future SIG Leadership positions. Announcements are also sent out via email when the interest form is open. Whenever more than one potential candidate for a position is identified, an election is held within the SIG.
If you are interested in either self-nominating or nominating a colleague for future SIG leadership, please contact your current SIG chair. You can find their contact information in the Member Directory or by messaging them in the ISOQOL Community Platform.
SIG Leader Resources
Thank you for your service as a SIG Leader volunteer! The ISOQOL Community Platform hosts resources for SIG Leaders to help answer any questions you may have as you plan your SIG activities.
Visit the SIG Leadership community on the platform or download the SIG Leader Orientation Packet for more information.
FAQ
Have a question related to SIGs or the ISOQOL Community Platform? Visit our Contact page to view frequently asked questions or to reach out for more information.
The International Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL) is a global community of researchers, clinicians, health care professionals, industry professionals, consultants, and patient research partners advancing health related quality of life research (HRQL).
Together, we are creating a future in which patient perspective is integral to health research, care and policy.