International Council for Science
| Logo of ICSU | |
| Abbreviation | ICSU |
|---|---|
| Merged into | International Social Science Council |
| Successor | International Science Council |
| Formation | 1931 |
| Dissolved | Template:End date and age |
| Type | INGO |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Gordon McBean | |
| Website | council |
Formerly called | International Council of Scientific Unions |
The International Council for Science (ICSU, after its former name, International Council of Scientific Unions) was an international non-governmental organization devoted to international cooperation in the advancement of science. Its members were national scientific bodies and international scientific unions.
In 2017, the ICSU comprised 122 multi-disciplinary National Scientific Members, Associates and Observers representing 142 countries and 31 international, disciplinary Scientific Unions. ICSU also had 22 Scientific Associates.[1] In July 2018, ICSU merged with the International Social Science Council (ISSC) to form the International Science Council (ISC) at a constituent general assembly in Paris.[2]
Mission and principles
[edit | edit source]The ICSU's mission was to strengthen international science for the benefit of society. To do this, the ICSU mobilized the knowledge and resources of the international scientific community to:
- Identify and address major issues of importance to science and society.
- Facilitate interaction amongst scientists across all disciplines and from all countries.
- Promote the participation of all scientists – regardless of race, citizenship, language, political stance, or gender – in the international scientific endeavour.
- Provide independent, authoritative advice to stimulate constructive dialogue between the scientific community and governments, civil society, and the private sector."[3]
Activities focused on three areas: International Research Collaboration, Science for Policy, and Universality of Science.
History
[edit | edit source]In July 2018, the ICSU became the International Science Council (ISC).
The ICSU itself was one of the oldest non-governmental organizations in the world, representing the evolution and expansion of two earlier bodies known as the International Association of Academies (IAA; 1899–1914) and the International Research Council (IRC; 1919–1931). In 1998, Members agreed that the Council's current composition and activities would be better reflected by modifying the name from the International Council of Scientific Unions to the International Council for Science, while its rich history and strong identity would be well served by retaining the existing acronym, ICSU.[4]
Universality of science
[edit | edit source]The Principle of Freedom and Responsibility in Science: the free and responsible practice of science is fundamental to scientific advancement and human and environmental well-being. Such practice, in all its aspects, requires freedom of movement, association, expression and communication for scientists, as well as equitable access to data, information, and other resources for research. It requires responsibility at all levels to carry out and communicate scientific work with integrity, respect, fairness, trustworthiness, and transparency, recognizing its benefits and possible harms. In advocating the free and responsible practice of science, the council promotes equitable opportunities for access to science and its benefits, and opposes discrimination based on such factors as ethnic origin, religion, citizenship, language, political or other opinion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age.[5]
The International Science Council's Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in Science (CFRS) "oversees this commitment and is the guardian of this work."[5]
Structure
[edit | edit source]The ICSU Secretariat (20 staff in 2012) in Paris ensured the day-to-day planning and operations under the guidance of an elected executive board. Three Policy Committees − Committee on Scientific Planning and Review (CSPR), Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the conduct of Science (CFRS) and Committee on Finance − assisted the executive board in its work and a General Assembly of all Members was convened every three years. ICSU has three Regional Offices − Africa, Asia and the Pacific as well as Latin America and the Caribbean.
Finances
[edit | edit source]The principal source of ICSU's finances was the contributions it receives from its members. Other sources of income are the framework contracts from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and grants and contracts from United Nations bodies, foundations and agencies, which are used to support the scientific activities of the ICSU Unions and interdisciplinary bodies.
Member organizations
[edit | edit source]Associate member organizations
[edit | edit source]See also
[edit | edit source]- Diversitas project, closed Dec 2014 transferred Jan 2015 to ICS as Future Earth
- InterAcademy Partnership
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ ICSU's Our Members web page, updated on 6 October 2017
- ↑ "Introduction · Documentation on the ICSU/ISSC merger process". icsu-issc.gitbooks.io. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
- ↑ ISC's About Us web page, updated on 14 December 2011
- ↑ ISC's A Brief History web page, updated on 6 October 2017
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 International Science Council (n.d.). "ISC Steatite 7: Freedoms and Responsibilities in Science". International Science Council. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
Bibliography
[edit | edit source]- Greenaway, Frank (2006) Science International: A History of the International Council of Scientific Unions Cambridge University Press ISBN 9780521028103
- Frängsmyr, Tore (1990) Solomon's house revisited: the organization and institutionalization of science. Science History Publications, U.S.A. ISBN 9780881350661
- Crawford, Elisabeth (2002) Nationalism and Internationalism in Science, 1880-1939. Cambridge University Press ISBN 9780521524742
External links
[edit | edit source] |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to International Council for Science. |
- Official website
- ICSU at University of Waterloo Scholarly Societies directory
- ICSU (Archived 23 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine) at the United Nations
- Use dmy dates from August 2021
- Articles containing French-language text
- Official website not in Wikidata
- International Council for Science
- International organizations based in France
- International scientific organizations
- Organizations based in Paris
- Scientific organizations based in France
- Scientific organizations established in 1931
- Science policy