The Rocky Worlds DDT Core Implementation Team is pleased to announce the launch of a new, community-led effort to enable collaboration and coordination around Rocky Worlds DDT science: the Rocky Worlds DDT Community Involvement Initiative (CII).
The CII provides an open forum for individuals and research groups working on Rocky Worlds DDT data to exchange ideas and information. Its goal is to help grow the scope, impact, and scientific return of the program by facilitating communication on topics such as analysis techniques, complementary and follow-up observations, project ideas, and plans for publications.
The CII follows many of the principles that contributed to the success of the TESS Follow-up Observing Program (TFOP): enabling community members to connect, share information and data products, and coordinate efforts while preserving openness and scientific independence.
The CII will be supported and overseen by a Community Involvement Board (CIB), a standing body that will be composed of members of the astronomical community and appointed through an open call. The role of the CIB is to promote broad and transparent participation in the initiative and to ensure that community interactions follow the CII’s Code of Conduct. Full details on the scope, governance, and expectations of the CII and CIB are provided in the Rocky Worlds DDT CII Charter.
To join the Community Involvement Initiative and/or nominate yourself to serve on the Community Involvement Board, please fill out this form. Nominations for the CIB will be accepted through July 17, 2026. There is no deadline to join the CII and no cap on involvement; however, the first community-wide virtual meeting is expected to take place in September 2026.
We encourage all researchers interested in Rocky Worlds DDT science across career stages, institutions, and areas of expertise to participate in shaping this Initiative.
Astrobiology, Astronomy, Exoplanet,
