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Paris, France
25 October 2023
The International Science Council (ISC) is delighted to announce that Dr Vanessa McBride will join its team as Science Director.
Dr. McBride brings over 15 years of international scientific experience to her new leadership role at the ISC. Previously, as deputy director at the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), she used her expertise in astronomy to drive positive developmental change in marginalized communities across the globe.
“Astronomy connects philosophical, cultural and inspirational elements with the cutting edge of science and technology. Because of its transdisciplinarity, educational and imaginative values, the discipline is particularly suited to foster socioeconomic development and learning.”
Vanessa McBride
Dr. McBride, previously Head of Research at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), is an active researcher in the field of massive stars and serves as an adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Cape Town. Her focus resides in the dynamics of stellar objects in binary systems, which in astronomy refer to two bodies, usually stars, that are gravitationally bound and orbit each other around a common centre of mass.
Passionate about the value that science can bring in Africa, Dr. McBride is a founding member of the African Network for Women in Astronomy, leading both the bid and the organizing committee of the International Astronomical Union’s first General Assembly to be held on the African continent in August 2024.
Vanessa comes to the ISC with much leadership experience from her time at the Office of Astronomy for Development and as Head of Research at the South African Astronomical Observatory, where she initiated various interventions and capacity development needs as part of a “big picture” approach when working with policy-makers and researchers alike.
“Our rapidly changing geopolitical and technological landscapes mean that the contribution of science to society is crucial. I am looking forward to getting to know the ISC’s member organizations, partners and other communities through its broad range of programmes and initiatives, and working with them to maximize the positive impact of the ISC.”
At the ISC, Dr. McBride will lead the Science Division, leveraging her expertise in integrating natural and social sciences. Her role will encompass several key responsibilities, including shaping ISC’s scientific priorities, overseeing the management of the science project portfolio, nurturing scientific collaborations and partnerships, and offering guidance and insights to the ISC leadership on a wide range of scientific matters and events, including international science summits.
In announcing the new appointment, International Science Council CEO Dr. Salvatore Aricò said,
“We are thrilled to be welcoming Vanessa to the International Science Council. Her demonstrated experience in the practice of science and experience in science matters in both the Global South and Global North will bring clear value-add to the ISC portfolio of science activities, and the ISC as a whole. Vanessa’s positive outlook on the ability of science to contribute to public understanding of science by policy-makers and communities at large will also elevate the ISC’s standing within and outside of the ISC constituency. The ISC looks forward to welcoming Vanessa.”
Salvatore Aricò, CEO, International Science Council
Vanessa McBride
Vanessa has a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Southampton. She has over fifteen years of experience, including various leadership roles, across university, research infrastructure and science-for-development settings in an international arena. She joins the ISC from the International Astronomical Union’s Office for Astronomy for Development, where she bridged the gap between the academic astronomy and development communities. Vanessa brings a passion for science and society, a perspective from the global south, and a connection with the member organizations of ISC.
Follow Dr. McBride on X (formerly Twitter) @astronovee
Follow the ISC on X (formerly Twitter) @ISC
Contact:
Director of Communications, Alison Meston
alison.meston@council.science
Image by the Office of Astronomy for Development.