Press releases

International Council for Science expresses grave concern over visa policies and vetting practices for scientists visiting the USA

<p>Officers from the International Council for Science (ICSU) express their grave concern at the hostile treatment which the ICSU President, Goverdhan Mehta received when he applied for a routine visa for the USA at the US Consulate in Chennai, India on 9 February. This incident, during which Professor Mehta – a distinguished chemist – was accused of hiding information relevant to chemical warfare, has been extensively covered by the media in India and in major scientific journals. It clearly illustrates that, despite some progress, all is far from well with regards to the visa policies and associated practices for scientists wishing to enter the USA.</p>

23.02.2006

Leading French Scientist elected as future President of the International Council for Science

<p>Catherine Bréchignac, a world reknowned physicist– has been elected as the future President of the International Council for Science (ICSU). Bréchignac is known for her research in the area of nanophysics (sub-microscopic particles), one of the hottest areas of technological development and will face new challenges at the helm of ICSU, which is best-known for its major international programmes on global environmental change at the other end of the research spectrum. However, as a former Director General of the <a href="http://www.cnrs.fr">Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique</a> (CNRS) – Europe’s largest national research funding agency – she is no stranger to the disciplinary and geographical mix that distinguishes ICSU.</p>

15.11.2005

At Pivotal Event in China, the International Council for Science Releases New Strategy to Strengthen International Science for the Benefit of Society

<p>Acknowledging that the world of scientific research has not lived up to its full potential in addressing some of society’s most pressing concerns, including the terrible impact of natural disasters, the International Council for Science (ICSU) today announced at its 28th General Assembly an ambitious plan of action to strengthen international science for the benefit of society. It will focus on interdisciplinary science in key areas of policy uncertainty, including sustainable development, and efforts to mitigate the impact of disasters such as the recent earthquake in Kashmir, Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in the Indian Ocean. A major international research programme in polar science will provide new insights into planetary processes and how they are influenced by human behaviour.</p>

20.10.2005

International Experts Call for New Approach to Ensure Challenges to Data Access and Management Don’t Slow Scientific Progress

<p>Complex changes in data production, distribution and archiving—and issues they raise regarding who pays for data, who preserves it and who has access to it—should prompt an international initiative that ensures current and future scientists worldwide will have the information they need, according to a new report on challenges to data management and access presented today to the International Council for Science (ICSU).</p>

20.10.2005

International Council for Science Launches International Polar Year 2007-2008, an Endeavor of Historical Proportions

<p>Sparking a sense of urgency, enthusiasm and unity of purpose in the scientific community reminiscent of galvanizing endeavors such as man’s ventures into space and the Human Genome Project, the International Council for Science (ICSU) today formally launched an ambitious global programme for polar research that already has attracted more than 1000 research proposals submitted by scientists from around the world.</p>

19.10.2005

UN General Assembly urged to strengthen worldwide capacities in science, technology, and innovation

<p>In an unprecendented statement to the UN General Assembly, the leadership of international scientific, engineering, and medical organizations urged the Heads of State and Government meeting in New York in September 2005 to strengthen worldwide capacities in science, technology, and innovation. Stronger capacities in science and technology are required to allow humanity to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals, the statement concludes. In September 2000, 147 heads of State and Government, and 189 nations in total, committed themselves by year 2015 to reduce significantly global poverty and the related problems of illiteracy, hunger, discrimination against women, unsafe drinking water, and degraded environments and ecosystems.</p>

13.09.2005

Regional office for science in Africa inaugurated

<p>The International Council for Science (ICSU) inaugurated its first Regional Office today. Located in Pretoria and hosted by the National Research Foundation of South Africa, the ICSU Regional Office for Africa will promote the development of all fields of science throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The office will facilitate capacity building, including quality science education, training and research. Core objectives are to facilitate networks within Africa and increase participation of African scientists in international programmes.</p>

01.09.2005

Experts warn ecosystem changes threaten development

<p>A landmark study launched worldwide today shows that approximately 60 percent of the ecosystem services that support life on Earth are being degraded or used unsustainably. <a href="http://millenniumassessment.org/en/Synthesis.html">The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) Synthesis Report</a>, compiled by 1,300 scientists in 95 countries, warns that the harmful consequences of this degradation could grow significantly worse in the next 50 years.</p>

30.03.2005

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