The International Science Council concluded its Mid-term Meeting of Members,
“Capitalizing on Synergies in Science,” in Paris, with discussions on the future of the ISC
and updates from its network of affiliated bodies working on an array of joint science initiatives.
The final day ended with clear messaging from the ISC’s Patron,
Irina Bokova, and ISC President, Peter Gluckman – the world
needs science more than ever.“Humanity is searching for a new equilibrium,
” says ISC Patron Irina Bokova. “Science can drive a fresh wave of humanism, rooted in knowledge,
cultural diversity and a genuine sense of empathy, bringing people
together and promoting understanding on a global scale.”
The ISC Global Commission on Science Missions for Sustainability,
for which Bokova co-chairs along with Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New
Zealand and former Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, aims to
coordinate and gather support for science-based mission-led solutions that will rise to humanity’s challenges.
The Commission will release its latest report at the
UN’s July 2023 High-level Political Forum. The annual event, held in New York, is
the main international forum to monitor progress on the global
Sustainable overseas data Development Goals (SDGs).
Updates from Affiliated Bodies, “keen to strengthen networks” of global scientists
The day started with ISC Affiliated Bodies, which promoting free and responsible science: insights from the isc mid-term meeting include scientists working across dozens of disciplines around the world – and in space – updating Members on recent work, aiming to open up new opportunities for collaboration.
The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), which advises the UN on planetary protection, satellite dynamics and activity in space that could aqb directory damage the environment, is focusing on fostering cohesion between scientists and engineers working on space research, says associate director Aaron Janofsky.
The Scientific
Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is preparing for the fifth International Polar Year, which will bring together scientists worldwide for coordinated research in 2032-33. SCAR provides independent scientific advice to international organizations and has been “a valuable contributor to policy discussions and also decision-making processes,” says project officer Johanna Grabow.
“We’re keen to strengthen networks within the international research community,” Grabow says. SCAR is looking for scientists working on topics related to the Antarctic to join its research programs and working groups – as well as to share ideas about sustainability and reducing organizational carbon footprints.
Far from the
mountains and ice of Antarctica, members of the Scientific Committee on Frequency Allocations for Radio Astronomy and Space Science (IUCAF) are continuing crucial work to keep radio spectrum bands open for science.
Committee Chair,
Harvey Liszt, acknowledges “our work is highly specialized and often regarded as arcane… Recruitment is tough.” He emphasizes that the tasks can be laborious, demanding a steep learning curve and offering little recognition. However, Liszt remains hopeful that more scientists will join the cause, particularly due to the escalating frequency of satellite launches in low Earth orbit, intensifying the strain on radio-based research. Liszt explained that commercial constellations unintentionally interfere with scientific research, akin to “photo bombing” in the realm of astronomy.
