The ISC has a growing global membership that brings together over 230 organizations, including international scientific unions and associations from natural and social sciences, and the humanities, and national and regional scientific organizations such as academies and research councils.
The ISC was created in 2018 as the result of a merger between the International Council for Science (ICSU) and the International Social Science Council (ISSC).
ISC Introduction
Advancing human development within sustainable planetary and social boundaries is the most important challenge for humanity and for science. To deliver on the 2030 Agenda and its 17 sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs), we must urgently intensify fair and equitable transformations to sustainability across all sectors – from science, policy, business and civil society.
Learn more about the ISC through our introductory brochure in six languages.
ISC vision
The vision of the ISC is to advance science as a global public good. Scientific knowledge, data and expertise must be universally accessible and its benefits universally shared. The practice of science must be inclusive and equitable, also in opportunities for scientific education and capacity development.
Learn more about ISC’s vision in this paper Science as a Global Public Good
ISC mission
The mission of the ISC is to act as the global voice of and for science. As part of that mission, the ISC:
- acts as the legitimate and effective voice of science all over the world, particularly to the many components of the international policy community
- serves as a thought leader in the evolution of science and science systems
- stimulates and support the coordination of international scientific endeavours on major issues of global concern
- promotes the appropriate and effective use of science in policy making, societal decision making and diplomacy, including by increasing trust in science and by defending freedom and responsibility in science
- acts with assurance and professionalism on behalf of a diverse, strong, global constituency of scientists.
ISC Core Values
The core values to be upheld in the Council’s work, governance and partnerships will be:
- Excellence and professionalism;
- Inclusivity and diversity;
- Transparency and integrity; and
- Innovation and sustainability.
ISC Members
The ISC membership provides the foundation for its work. Through its activities, the ISC aims to create opportunities for its Members to participate in important scientific conversations and activities, to showcase their scientific contributions at the international level, and to connect to each other and to influential networks worldwide.
Learn more about Membership
ISC activities
The ISC convenes the scientific expertise and resources needed to lead on catalyzing, incubating and coordinating impactful international action on issues of major scientific and public importance. The Council’s activities are driven by its Action Plan.
Learn more about What we do
See all of our Publications
ISC structure
The ISC is governed by an international Governing Board which provides scientific and strategic leadership for the organization, and is advised on key aspects of its work by a number of Advisory Bodies. The ISC’s global headquarters are located in Paris, France. A General Assembly of all Members is convened every three years.
Learn more about Governance