International Council for Science

The International Council for Science was an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to strengthening global scientific cooperation. Formerly known as the International Council of Scientific Unions, it brought together national scientific bodies and international disciplinary unions to promote multilateral collaboration in the advancement of science. By 2017 it had grown into a large global network, comprising 122 national scientific members and observers representing 142 countries, alongside thirty-one international scientific unions and twenty-two scientific associates. In July 2018 it merged with the International Social Science Council to form the International Science Council, marking a major institutional consolidation in the international scientific community.

Mission and Guiding Principles

The mission of the organisation was to enhance international science for the benefit of society. It sought to mobilise scientific expertise and resources across borders and disciplines to address pressing global challenges, encourage scientific cooperation and facilitate dialogue between science, policy and society. Its work centred on three broad areas: international research collaboration, science for policy and the universality of science.
A core element of its mission was the Principle of Freedom and Responsibility in Science. This principle asserted that the free and responsible practice of science is fundamental to both scientific progress and human well-being. It required freedom of movement, expression, association and communication for scientists, together with equitable access to data and research resources. It also emphasised responsibility, integrity, transparency and awareness of the potential impacts of scientific work. The commitment to universality included firm opposition to discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, citizenship, language, political stance, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age. Oversight of this principle was exercised by the Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in Science.

Historical Development

The organisation was one of the world’s oldest non-governmental scientific bodies. It drew its origins from the International Association of Academies, which operated between 1899 and 1914, and the International Research Council, established from 1919 to 1931. These earlier bodies emerged at a time when scientific internationalism was expanding quickly and the need for structured multilateral scientific cooperation was becoming increasingly apparent.
In 1931 the formal structure of the modern council took shape. For most of the 20th century it operated under the name International Council of Scientific Unions, reflecting the dominance of disciplinary scientific unions in its membership. In 1998 members agreed that the council’s mission and diverse activities were better represented by the name International Council for Science. Although the name was modernised, the traditional acronym was retained, preserving continuity with its historical identity.
The merger with the International Social Science Council in 2018 represented a significant milestone, creating a unified body that integrates natural, physical and social sciences under the International Science Council. This move aimed to strengthen interdisciplinary research, enhance the influence of scientific advice at global policy level and broaden the scope of international scientific cooperation.

Activities and Areas of Focus

The council’s activities were centred on addressing global scientific and societal challenges. Key areas included:

• International research collaboration, which supported global scientific programmes and fostered cooperation across disciplines and regions.
• Science for policy, through which the organisation provided evidence-based input to governments, intergovernmental bodies and civil society on issues ranging from environmental change to sustainable development.
• Universality of science, advocating fair access to scientific education, resources and opportunities, while defending the rights and responsibilities of scientists worldwide.

The organisation also facilitated interdisciplinary initiatives and coordinated major research programmes in partnership with its disciplinary unions and national members. Numerous projects were undertaken at regional and global level, including initiatives related to environmental research, planetary systems science and integrated assessment of global risks. One of its major environmental programmes, Future Earth, was transferred to the International Science Council in 2015.

Organisational Structure

The secretariat, based in Paris, managed planning and day-to-day operations. In 2012 the secretariat consisted of approximately twenty staff members, working under the guidance of an elected executive board. The board was supported by three major policy committees:

• Committee on Scientific Planning and Review, responsible for evaluating and planning scientific activities.
• Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the Conduct of Science, overseeing adherence to scientific freedom and responsibility principles.
• Committee on Finance, ensuring sound financial stewardship.

A General Assembly, comprising all members, convened every three years to review progress, elect leadership and formulate policy directions. To ensure regional representation and support, the council maintained three regional offices: Africa; Asia and the Pacific; and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Funding and Partnerships

The organisation relied primarily on membership contributions for its financial stability. Additional support came from framework agreements with UNESCO and grants from United Nations entities, foundations and international agencies. These resources funded scientific activities undertaken by the council and by its disciplinary unions and interdisciplinary bodies.
The council’s collaborations extended across the international scientific landscape. Member organisations included national academies, research councils and international scientific unions representing specific disciplines. Scientific associates and partner institutions provided additional expertise and channels for cooperation.

Legacy and Contribution

Before its merger in 2018, the International Council for Science had established itself as a leading voice for global scientific cooperation. Its long history demonstrated the evolution of international science from early academic associations to complex global networks addressing cross-border challenges. Its advocacy for the freedom and responsibility of science, its extensive support for interdisciplinary research and its promotion of equitable participation in the global scientific endeavour have left a lasting legacy within the international research community.