Call for nominations for ISC Standing Committees | Deadline: 24 April

Current membership and available positions

1. Sawako Shirahase (Chair, Vice-President for Finance, Compliance and Risk)
2. TBD (Vice-chair, Governing Board member)
3. Jisoon Lee (Emeritus, Seoul National University)

The Committee for Finance, Compliance and Risk is seeking to fill up to nine positions, including one position for an ISC Fellow.

The initial terms of office of the new members will be two years, running from mid-2025 to mid-2027. In May 2027:

• Half the members will be invited to stay on with their terms extended until May 2029.
• Half the members will rotate off and be replaced by newly appointed members, whose term of office will run from mid-2027 to mid-2031.

From the Statutes and Rules of Procedure

Statute IX.36. This advisory body addresses issues of finance, compliance and risk management. It shall periodically review the Rules of Procedure and organizational policies of the Council. It shall be responsible for the dues scale, the dues schedule and related policies.

RoP 11.3. The Committee for Finance, Compliance and Risk shall:

1. oversee and make recommendations on finance, budgeting and compliance;
2. oversee internal policy development (travel, procurement, etc.);
3. review the risk management approach of the Council and report to the Governing Board on the Council’s risk profile;
4. monitor adherence to the code of conduct of Governing Board and advisory body members.

Time commitment

Attendance at and preparation for a maximum of one in-person meeting and up to four virtual meetings per year. Participating in ad hoc task groups to implement initiatives of the committee, as required.

Fuller description of responsibilities

1. Controlling the previous year’s accounts in consultation with the independent auditors. Assessing and making recommendations on the appropriateness of ISC’s annual and multiannual budgets.
2. Overseeing the revision of the ISC membership dues structure and its implementation.
3. Receiving and making recommendations on requests for membership dues waivers or reductions.
4. Overseeing the development and revision of ISC policies which have relevance to ISC finances and risk (e.g. due diligence, travel, sponsorship and endorsement, privacy).
5. Advising the ISC Governing Board on risk management and related action following the regular audit of ISC accounts.
6. Advising the ISC Governing Board with regard to the science funding landscape and economic trends.

Skills and qualities sought

1. Experience in overseeing the finances, budgets and audits of an organization, and in aligning organizational strategy and financial management.
2. Experience in the development and implementation of internal policies.
3. Experience in risk management for an organization in a complex context.
4. Knowledge of the science funding landscape and economic trends.
5. Familiarity with the ISC membership.
6. Rigour, attention to detail and commitment to accountability.

Current composition and available positions

1. Marcia Barbosa (Chair, Vice-President for Freedom and Responsibility in Science)
2. Françoise Baylis (Vice-chair, Governing Board member)
3. Robert French (University of Western Australia)
4. Karly Kehoe (Saint Mary’s University, Canada)
5. Sayaka Oki (University of Tokyo, Japan)

The Committee for Freedom and Responsibility in Science is seeking to fill up to six positions.

The terms of office of the new members will be four years, running from mid-2025 to mid-2029. The current non-Governing Board members will rotate off in mid-2027.

From the Statutes and Rules of Procedure

This advisory body deals with global issues related to freedom and responsibility in science as well as emergent issues in the ethical conduct of science.

RoP 11.2. The Committee for Freedom and Responsibility in Science shall:

1. promote and uphold the principles of freedom and responsibility in science (Statute 8);
2. seek solutions to problems concerning the free passage of scientists, free collaboration among scientists and freedom to pursue science;
3. address emergent issues regarding the ethical conduct of science;
4. monitor the Council’s adherence to its core values.

Time commitment

Attendance at and preparation for up to one in-person meeting and up to four virtual meetings per year. Participating in ad hoc task groups and implementation of initiatives of the committee, as required.

Description of duties

1. Advise the ISC Governing Board and ISC Members, and act as appropriate, on issues relating to freedom and responsibility in science;
2. Prioritize topics for action in the domains of freedom and responsibility in science;
3. Provide quality assurance on guidelines, papers, reports and other material produced as part of the work programmes on freedom and responsibility in science;
4. As human and financial resources permit, contribute to the preparation and dissemination of information and educational materials, participate in workshops, conferences and similar opportunities aimed at raising awareness of issues pertaining to freedom and responsibility in science;
5. Undertake any other such actions as are appropriate for promoting and securing freedom and responsibility in science.

Skills and qualities sought

1. Knowledge of current regional and global trends and issues in relation to freedom and responsibility in science (essential)
2. Experience in defending scientific freedom (essential)
3. Experience in promoting responsible practice in science (essential)
4. Expertise in one or more of the following domains (desirable):

1. Research ethics
2. Political science
3. Experience in human rights advocacy and protection
4. Expertise in human rights legislation and protection instruments

Composition and available positions

1. Yongguan Zhu (Chair, Vice-President for Membership)   
2. TBD (Vice-chair, Governing Board member)

The Committee for Membership is seeking to fill up to 10 positions, including one position for an ISC Fellow who is not a Governing Board member.

The initial terms of office of the new members will be two years, running from mid-2025 to mid-2027. In May 2027:

• Half the members will be invited to stay on with their terms extended until May 2029.
• Half the members will rotate off and be replaced by newly appointed members, whose term of office will run from mid-2027 to mid-2031.

Description of duties

• The Vice-President for Membership has responsibilities relating to supporting current and potential Members (Rule of Procedure 4.5) and is seeking to establish a committee with the following mandate:
• Advising and supporting the ISC Governing Board and Secretariat on issues relating to membership engagement, development and retention; this will include advising on and helping to communicate the ISC value proposition to existing and prospective Members and helping fill geographical and (emerging) disciplinary gaps in ISC membership.
• Considering, prioritizing and helping to implement activities (including Member-driven activities) in the domain of membership engagement and development.
• Considering membership applications and making recommendations to the Governing Board.
• Advising and supporting the Governing Board to enhance the visibility, clarity and transparency of ISC membership (e.g. by establishing eligibility guidelines) and related rights and responsibilities, including in relation to breaches of membership obligations.

The committee may work in sub-committees or working groups dedicated to distinct objectives.

Time commitment

Attendance at and preparation for up to one in-person meeting and up to four virtual meetings per year. Participating in sub-committees or task groups to implement initiatives of the committee, as appropriate.

Skills and qualities sought

1. Deep familiarity with the ISC: its structure, strategic direction, activities and membership.
2. Interest in helping the ISC to develop and serve its membership.
3. Interest in membership communication and engagement strategies.
4. Experience in developing, promoting and facilitating international science networks and communities.