The nature of our work
Drawing on its diverse networks of Members, Affiliated Bodies and partners, the Council’s work on science for policy focuses on three areas:
- providing scientific advice, coordinating and facilitating the participation of scientists in policy processes and international conferences
- providing advice on how policy processes should be created or modified to best receive and utilise available scientific knowledge
- creating scientific research programmes that will improve collaboration between scientists, policy-makers and other stakeholders in the generation of scientific knowledge
Much of the ISC’s work on science for policy takes place at the international level, working with the United Nations (UN), predominantly through the ‘Major Groups’ model of participation, in which the ISC works as organizing partner for the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group.
Beyond the Major Group, the Council’s ambition is to become the go-to organization for scientific expertise and advice at the global level. The ISC strategy in the intergovernmental system report examines this objective and makes recommendations to the ISC on its strategy.
New York Liaison Office
The ISC has a liaison office for the United Nations in New York, and regularly engages in UN policy processes working with New York-based multilateral institutions and countries’ representations to advance the ISC’s work at the global science-policy interface.
Caution
We kindly remind all that the Science Summit at UN General Assembly – Science Summit at the 79 United Nation General Assembly is NOT an International Science Council event. It is run by Intelligence in Science, a Brussels-based advisory firm. We have reached out to Intelligence in Science to kindly request they spell their name fully first, before using their acronym, as this is confusing for all. We apologize for any inconvenience or misconceptions caused.
Latest updates
The ISC at INC-4: Plastic treaty negotiations must prioritize health
With the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, the scientific community underscores the critical need to prioritize health in the ongoing negotiations.
New Policy Brief: A call for a formal scientific voice in the global fight against plastic pollution
The ISC has developed a new policy brief to guide the current negotiations on an international legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution. The brief aims to advance a science-based approach ensuring the instrument is based on the latest and best scientific evidence available.
The International Science Council at the 2024 STI Forum
The theme for the STI Forum 2024 is “Science, technology and innovation for reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”. As every year, the ISC will mobilize experts from its membership and broader networks to contribute to official discussions as speakers, deliver statements and participate in official side-events.
The International Science Council at the SIDS4 Conference
Discover how the ISC is working to mobilize the scientific community in SIDS and ensure that research on and from the SIDS is brought to the attention of global policy-makers. The Council will also emphasize the importance of science and technology for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs in these countries, and the leadership role that SIDS countries play in global environmental governance and sustainable development.
New Policy Brief: Global Sea-Level Rise
This policy brief sheds light on key considerations for policy-makers on a wide range of issues related to sea-level rise, highlighting the value of engaging actionable, interdisciplinary scientific knowledge in responding to current and future challenges.
Disaster risk reduction: UNDRR and ISC to review Hazard Information Profiles ahead of 2025 Global Platform
The UNDRR and ISC are undertaking a review of the Hazard Information Profiles (HIPs) to enhance their relevance and usability in disaster risk reduction efforts, particularly in multi-hazard contexts.
The International Science Council at the 2024 Summit of the Future
Discover the ISC’s involvement in the UN Summit of the Future, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance multilateral cooperation on critical challenges and move towards a reinvigorated UN system that is better positioned to positively impact people’s lives.
UN Group of Friends to champion Science for Action
A coalition of countries supporting science and actionable knowledge is being set up to provide an important and complementary impetus to ongoing efforts to build a stronger role of science in decision-making at the global level led by Belgium, India and South Africa.
Our work with UNEP on Strategic Foresight
The International Science Council (ISC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have partnered to advance science-based strategic foresight to develop futures thinking, be better prepared to engage with challenges proactively, and to inform and guide decisions for the benefit of the global environment.
Key partnerships
To achieve its goals, the ISC is actively cooperating with partners from the United Nations system, having Memoranda of Understanding with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations University (UNU), UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN Habitat).
In addition, the Council has active collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
Through these agreements, the ISC works to strengthen the use of scientific evidence in policy and public action on the most pressing issues facing societies today.
Our work by theme
Meet the ISC Global Science Policy Unit
Mobilizing scientific and policy expertise in the UN and intergovernmental processes
