Between 10 and 12 May, 300 delegates representing the global scientific community met in Paris as part of the International Science Council’s Capitalizing on Synergies in Science mid-term meeting of members.
The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen ISC member relationships and discuss global developments for science, as well as the needs and priorities of members and the ISC.
The meeting was attended by Academy Foreign Secretary Professor Frances Separovic, Chief Executive Ms Anna-Maria Arabia, and Director of the ISC Regional Focal Point for the Asia-Pacific (RFPAP) Dr Petra Lundgren.
The attendees discussed progress since the 2021 General Assembly and the ISC workplan for global policy processes, including the newly established Group of Friends on Science Action by Member States of the UN General Assembly.
Significant efforts are being made to organise and mobilise the global scientific community and to position the ISC as an independent advisor to the multilateral systems as outlined in the report ISC in the Multilateral System.
Dr Lundgren said the Regional Focal Points are a significant part of this effort.
“They provide an opportunity for regional priorities and voices to inform the international science agenda, acknowledging that some nations and regions will require significant capacity building for this to be achieved,” Dr Lundgren said.
As host of the ISC RFPAP, the Academy introduced the recently appointed Director Dr Lundgren, who presented the proposed structure of the programs and activities that underpinned the successful hosting bid.
The ISC’s Affiliated Bodies also featured in the program, exploring opportunities for engagement of ISC members in activities of the Affiliated Bodies’ work and identifying areas for mutually beneficial collaboration, which the Academy intends to explore as part of the RFPAP program development.
The ISC launched the Centre for Science Futures during the meeting. The centre is a new think tank aiming to improve understanding of current trends in science and research systems, and to provide options and tools for appropriate action.
Discussions were also held relating to proposed constitutional reforms and governance changes for the ICS members, which will continue to be drafted throughout the year.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
