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Frequently Asked Questions - Joining CLARIN

How can I join CLARIN?

In the preparatory phase (until the end of 2010) CLARIN is still a project of the EU, therefore the number and names of consortium partners are strictly limited by the contract. But you can become a CLARIN Member, by filling in the form here. You also need to have recomendations from two existing CLARIN partners or members. If you are the first institution in your country which is joining CLARIN, you also need to appoint a national contact person for your country. For further details, please consult the document related to CLARIN membership criteria and procedures. You can also contact the CLARIN Office (clarin@clarin.eu).
Starting with the construction phase (from 2011), CLARIN will become an self-supporting organization with a legal entity (the CLARIN-ERIC) and the members will be the governments of  the countries involved.

Is there a fee to pay?
The preparatory phase of CLARIN is funded by the European Union, and the number and names of consortium partners are defined in the contract signed with the EU. Still, you can apply for CLARIN membership. Becoming a CLARIN member is free of charge and means you are supportive with regards to its goals. Membership requests are subject to acceptance by the national representative and the executive board of CLARIN. For further information on becoming a member in the preparatory phase, please have a look at the previous question, "How can I join CLARIN?". You can also contact the CLARIN Office (clarin@clarin.eu) for additional information.
In the construction phase, the country membership will be bound to an yearly fee. The level of this fee is yet to be decided before the construction phase begins, and will be laid down in the CLARIN-ERIC (the legal entity).  The majority of CLARIN's activities will be funded through these contributions of the national governments.
What is expected from my government in order to become a partner in the CLARIN consortium?

You should ask your government for a support letter to join the CLARIN Consortium, and to appoint an institute or a person as the national contact. You can find an overview of what is expected in terms of financial and other types of support here. For more suggestions and help you can also contact the CLARIN Office (clarin@clarin.eu).

Can I join CLARIN as a person, institute or country?

Only countries and institutions can be CLARIN members. Private persons are not allowed.

I am an institution in Latvia. Whom should I contact for joining CLARIN?

If you are an institution in Latvia, or in any other CLARIN member country, you should contact your national representative - the CLARIN national contact person. If you don't know who is the national contact point for your country, please have a look at the list here.

I represent an American company. Can my company join CLARIN?

Yes, this is possible. Institutions from non-member countries, including countries outside Europe, can become associated members in the preparatory phase. Technical details on how to apply for the CLARIN membership in this phase can be found under the "How can I join CLARIN?" section. The procedure will change after 2010, in the construction phase, when the rights and duties of associated members will be laid down in the statuses of the new legal entity (CLARIN-ERIC).

Now I am a CLARIN Member. How do I access the infrastructure?

The actual way to access the infrastructure will be established during the construction phase.