Tumu Whakarae Karere | Acting Chief Executive Update

ISC is a non-governmental organisation with a unique global membership that brings together 40 international scientific unions and associations and over 140 national and regional scientific organisations, including academies and research councils.  Its vision is of science as a global public good, recognising that the big scientific issues of our time are increasingly global in nature.  ISC has recently published a substantial position paper on science as a global public good and has also released a paper on addressing sustainability issues.

Aside from addressing global science issues, the necessary freedoms and responsibilities of scientists in doing their work also matter, and the ISC has a committee dedicated to this. This includes monitoring and responding to threats to scientific freedoms around the world, and advising on responsible practice in challenging contexts. More information can be found on the International Science Council's page on freedom and responsibilities in science. Royal Society Te Apārangi directly supports this committee through providing the services of a  Special Advisor, funded under an arrangement between the Society, MBIE and ISC.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s presence in ISC will shortly be even further enhanced as Professor Sir Peter Gluckman FRSNZ FRS steps into the role of President of ISC for the next three years. All this involvement with ISC not only raises  the international science profile of Aotearoa, it also allows us to stay well connected to global science developments and do our bit to support a viable future for the planet. I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho. A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions.

Heio anō, kia mataara be vigilant, he rā ki tua better days are coming.

Dr Roger Ridley
Tumu Whakarae Acting Chief Executive