An Opening Address

Abstract

As the series of IUTAM Symposia on Creep in Structures enters its 5 decade it is appropriate to begin with some brief notes on the history of IUTAM. In 1899** the International Association of Academies was created to initiate and to promote scientific meetings. This association survived World War I. But, in 1917 the International Research Council, known as the IRC, was formed to stimulate exchanges across the borders formed after the war. However, in parallel with the IRC, informal scientific groups were established which became known as International Unions. Subsequently, it was found desirable to establish links between the International Research Council and the International Unions. Hence, in 1931, when the IRC had 40 member states and 8 International Unions existed, the International Council of Scientific Unions, known as ICSU, was formed. In 1946 after World War II, again in an effort to stimulate scientific exchanges across the new borders; the Applied Mechanics community met in Paris and formed IUTAM. It was agreed that it should hold symposia which were: (i) open to invited scientists, (ii) organised to encourage and develop young scientists, (iii) small scale, and (iv) an effective means of establishing personal and international contacts. It is now over one hundred years ago since the formation of the International Association of Academies, that we meet here in Nagoya to develop, and to foster the same ideals.