International Science Council

International Science Council
Name	International Science Council
Formation	2018
Type	Non-governmental organization
Headquarters	Paris, France
Region served	Worldwide
Membership	40 international scientific unions and over 140 national and regional scientific organizations
Language	English, French
Leader title	President
Leader name	Peter Gluckman
Website	council.science

International Science Council. It is a non-governmental organization formed in 2018 through the merger of the International Council for Science (ICSU) and the International Social Science Council (ISSC). The organization serves as a global voice for science, bringing together natural and social sciences to address major international issues. Its headquarters are located at the Campus Condorcet in Paris.

History and formation

The formation in 2018 was the culmination of a multi-year process to unite the International Council for Science, founded in 1931, with the International Social Science Council, established under the auspices of UNESCO in 1952. This merger was driven by a recognition of the need for integrated scientific approaches to complex global challenges like climate change and sustainable development. Key figures in its creation included former ICSU President Gordon McBean and ISSC President Alberto Martinelli. The inaugural General Assembly was held in Paris, cementing its status as a major entity in the landscape of global scientific governance.

Mission and objectives

Its core mission is to advance science as a global public good by mobilizing scientific knowledge for policy and action on issues of global concern. Key objectives include promoting international collaboration across all scientific disciplines, advocating for the freedom and integrity of scientists, and ensuring that scientific evidence informs major global agendas such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It seeks to strengthen the voice of science in forums like the G7 and the G20, and works closely with agencies including the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

Organizational structure

The governance framework is centered on a General Assembly of member organizations, which meets every three years. Day-to-day operations are managed by a Secretariat based in Paris, led by a Chief Executive Officer. The scientific work is guided by a series of committees and advisory bodies, such as the Committee on Science Planning and the Freedom and Responsibility in Science committee. It also maintains formal partnerships with bodies like the InterAcademy Partnership and the International Science and Technology Center to coordinate global efforts.

Key activities and programs

It coordinates major global research initiatives, such as the decade-long Future Earth program on sustainability and the World Climate Research Programme. A flagship activity is the production of high-level policy reports, like those contributing to assessments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It also administers grant programs for early-career scientists and organizes major scientific conferences, including the World Science Forum. Its advocacy work focuses on issues like open science and science diplomacy, often in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Meteorological Organization.

Member organizations

Membership comprises two main categories: International Scientific Unions, such as the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and the International Union of Biological Sciences, and National and Regional Scientific Organizations, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Indian National Science Academy, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This diverse network spans over 140 countries and territories, facilitating a vast exchange of knowledge and resources across disciplines and borders, from the Royal Society to the Academy of Science of South Africa.

Governance and leadership

The current President is Peter Gluckman, former Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand. The governance body is an elected Governing Board, which includes representatives from member unions and organizations. The Chief Executive Officer, appointed by the Board, oversees the Secretariat. Past leadership includes founding President Dayong Zhang and prominent scientists like Florence Rabier of ECMWF who have served in key advisory roles. The organization's statutes and strategic direction are ratified by the General Assembly.

Impact and recognition

It has significantly influenced global policy, notably through its contributions to the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. It plays a critical role in setting international scientific standards and ethics, often in partnership with UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union. The organization's work in championing scientific freedom has been recognized by bodies like the European Parliament. Its integrated approach is seen as vital for addressing interconnected crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to biodiversity loss, shaping agendas at forums like the United Nations Climate Change conference.

Category:International scientific organizations Category:Organizations based in Paris Category:Science and technology organizations established in 2018