These Committees are appointed by the Governing Board on the basis of nominations by Members. They are chaired and vice-chaired by Governing Board members and include non Governing Board members.
The Governing Board will select and appoint a group of up to four advisors who will assist in ensuring that the Committees will include people with the right knowledge and expertise.
Standing Committees
This committee addresses issues of finance, auditing, resource mobilization and risk management.
Committee for Freedom and Responsibility in Science (CFRS)
This committee deals with freedom and responsibility of science issues at the global level.
Committee for Science Planning (CSP)
The Committee for Science Planning undertakes scientific strategic planning and reviews and address major thematic issues concerned with science for policy and policy for science.
Committee for Outreach and Engagement (COE)
This Committee focuses on membership matters, outreach to external stakeholders, partnerships and strategic communications.
Other Advisory Bodies
Dues Committee
Chaired by the Treasurer of the ISC, Renée van Kessel Hagesteijn , the dues committee has taken the lead in discussing the current membership fee structure and will propose changes regarding the ISC annual membership dues at the upcoming General Assembly in October 2021. Members of the committee include:
- Renée van Kessel Hagesteijn (Chair), ISC Treasurer (The Netherlands)
- Teresa Lago, International Astronomical Union (Portugal)
- Enrique Forero, Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales (Colombia)
- Kathie Bailey, National Academy of Sciences (USA)
- Daniel Buquet, International Political Science Association (Uruguay)
Elections Committee
Chaired by the President, and including four additional members proposed by the Governing Board and elected by the General Assembly, this committee is responsible for advising on and managing the Governing Board nominations and election processes.
Small Island Developing States Liaison Committee
The Small Island Developing States Liaison Committee is consulted on strategic matters and works to ensure that representation of the SIDS scientific community is strengthened across the Council’s activities.
Forum of Patrons
Comprised of a number of outstanding individuals from different sectors, the Forum of Patrons is appointed by the Governing Board and chaired by the President. It helps the Council with advice, name recognition and credibility within and beyond the scientific world. The Council’s patrons are Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Ismail Serageldin, Founding Director and Emeritus Librarian of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and internet pioneer Vinton G. Cerf.
Ad Hoc Committees
Ad hoc committees may be established by the General Assembly or the Governing Board for a limited duration to deal with specific objectives and tasks and will be dissolved after the completion of the task or achievement of the objective.
Composition, duration and detailed terms of reference for these Committees are provided in the Rules of Procedure, as are the responsibilities of the Officers and the Chief Executive.