Regional office for science in Africa inaugurated
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.
Science and Society: Rights and Responsibilities (2005)
This strategic review was prepared by a panel of independent scientific experts from 12 different countries. The panel was tasked with considering the overall context and priorities concerning the science and society interface, as well as specific ICSU activities.
Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development (2005)
Summary In this report, we present the Advisory Group’s views on the fundamental principles that should underlie efforts to harness science and technology for sustainable development. We first present a conceptual framework for understanding the relationships among the different types of activities and stakeholders involved in these efforts. This framework emphasizes the need to view […]
Experts warn ecosystem changes threaten development
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. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) Synthesis Report, 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.
A Framework for the International Polar Year 2007-2008
Summary The polar regions are integral components of the Earth system. As the heat sinks of the climate system they both respond to and drive changes elsewhere on the planet. Within them lie frontiers of knowledge as well as unique vantage points for science. Yet because of their remoteness and harsh nature, the poles remain […]
Establishment of an International Council for Science Regional Office for Africa
The International Council for Science ICSU) and the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) have today signed an agreement establishing an ICSU Regional Office for Africa. The agreement was signed during the First ICSU Regional Meeting for Africa, which was hosted by the Research Council of Zimbabwe in Harare on 9 to 11 October 2004. The Regional Meeting discussed and recommended a number of priorities for the African Regional Office.
Annual Report 2003
The Annual Report for the year 2003 sums up our key achievements in the year.
Foresight Analysis
Introduction In 1995-96, an independent Panel of experts was invited to conduct an assessment of ICSU. Accordingto the Panel report, “ICSU and its members need to formulate an innovative process for determiningfuture directions and for identifying new initiatives”. As a consequence, the Committee on ScientificPlanning and Review (CSPR) was established to advise the Executive Board […]
Socioeconomic Data in Relation to the Integrated Global Observing Strategy Partnership IGOS-P (2004)
Introduction The International Council for Science (ICSU) in cooperation with the IGOS Co-Chairs organized a one-day meeting on the topic “Socioeconomic Data in Relation to IGOS-P” in September 2004; the recommendations of this meeting are presented in this report. The meeting was structured to respond to the Terms of Reference (ToR) approved at the IGOS-P-11 […]
Priority Area Assessment on Scientific Data and Information
Introduction The recommendations of the report (made by the CSPR Assessment Panel in 2004) assist the development of new initiatives and ensure that ICSU plays a prominent and appropriate role in this area.