Definitions of nine major areas for research consortium (RC) design decisions
| Major design element | Definition |
| 1. Mission | The core purpose and focus of the RC. |
| 2. Area of focus | An RC’s research agenda, the flexibility of the agenda and the geography considered in the RC’s research. |
| 3. Core support | The functional support mechanisms for the RC. |
| 4. Location of the core | Where—geographically and in what type of institution—the core is based and whether the core rotates. |
| 5. Choice of leader | The specific individual(s) designated to hold the position of leader and whether the role is constant or rotates. |
| 6. Governance | How decisions are made and how much power the leadership has to make decisions. |
| 7. Membership | The composition, responsibility and eligibility of members in an RC. |
| 8.Funding source for RC core operations | The entity or entities responsible for providing the funds used to operate the RC. |
| 9.Funding sources and process for RC research | How funding for RC research is procured. |