Press releases – Page 11 – International Science Council

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

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 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) – Europe’s largest national research funding agency – she is no stranger to the disciplinary and geographical mix that distinguishes ICSU.

15.11.2005

Press releases

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

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.

20.10.2005

Press releases

Responding to New Threats to Scientific Freedom, ICSU Revises and Reaffirms Commitment to the ‘Universality of Science’

Warning that changes in the global political climate and concerns about international terrorism pose new challenges to scientific freedoms, the International Council for Science (ICSU) today urged its members to consider a renewed and broader commitment to the organization’s bedrock Principle of the Universality of Science.

20.10.2005

Press releases

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

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).

20.10.2005

Press releases

ICSU Pursues New Initiative that Challenges Science to Do More to Prevent Natural Disasters

Responding to a world where natural disasters are increasingly disrupting nations rich and poor—the Asian tsunami, hurricanes on the U.S. Gulf Coast, flooding in Bangladesh, the earthquake in Kashmir—the International Council for Science (ICSU) today approved a new initiative focused on using science to prevent natural hazards from becoming catastrophic events.

20.10.2005

Press releases

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

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.

19.10.2005

Press releases

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

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.

13.09.2005

Press releases

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.

01.09.2005

Press releases

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.

30.03.2005

Press releases

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.

11.10.2004