SCIENCE BODY EXPANDS ROLE

Abstract

The International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU)—often called world body of science—took major steps in September at its 25th General Assembly toward a more active and visible role as spokesman for the global scientific community and adviser to the public and governments on diverse science-related issues. A nongovernmental organization founded in 1931, does not have individual scientist members. It is, rather, an umbrella body consisting of 25 international scientific unions—such as the International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry—plus 95 national members (the National Academy of Sciences represents the U.S.) and 28 scientific associate organizations (such as the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis). is hardly a household word. But members of the ICSU family have created major international interdisciplinary programs. They jointly sponsor environmental and other programs with the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other UN...