Science Board – 2024 Call for Nominations
Chemistry and its adjacent subject areas are undergoing a revolution when it comes to data management, and topics such as sustainability, energy, food security and health. As the global organisation that provides a common language for chemistry, advocates the free exchange of scientific information, and fosters sustainable development, IUPAC must plan its scientific strategy to foresee the next areas in chemistry that will need clear guidelines on standardisation and data management. Therefore, at the end of 2023, we are inaugurating a new management structure to replace the Bureau and Executive Committee.
Starting in 2024, IUPAC will be governed by its Officers and the Executive Board, under the oversight of the Council. IUPAC scientific activities will be managed by the Science Board. In addition to five members chosen from the ranks of the Division Presidents and Committee Chairs, the Science Board will have five members from the chemistry community at large (with no current activities within IUPAC) elected by the Council. Thus, IUPAC is seeking nominations of motivated and experienced international thought leaders in chemistry and related subjects. These individuals should have good awareness and understanding of current and emerging issues in chemistry and how this relates to other sciences and the international scientific effort. Prior experience in advisory work of this nature would be a plus.
The expected time commitment would be the attendance of four quarterly meetings of up to three hours, a yearly meeting of a half to a full day and one yearly meeting with the Science Board’s sister body, the Executive Board. Every two years, the Council meeting should be attended. Except for the Council Meeting, these meetings would mostly be held online. A term of service on the Science Board will be for two years, with a single extension of another two years being possible.
Specific responsibilities of Science Board members, as listed in S8 of the IUPAC Statutes and Bylaws (effective from 1 January 2024):
The principal duties of the Science Board and its members, subject always to the Statutes and Bylaws, are as follows:
- to set the scientific priorities, long-term scientific strategy and vision of the Union and define the most efficient ways of fulfilling the priorities, strategy and vision;
- to propose allocations of the available science budget for approval by Council;
- to facilitate inter-divisional and Standing Committee interactions and joint activities;
- to keep the Divisional and Standing Committee structure of the Union under review, making recommendations for change to Council when these are considered appropriate;
- to review the output of Divisions and Standing Committees in the core areas of projects, conferences and publications;
- to oversee outreach activities and provide support of chemistry in emerging areas;
- to serve as liaison and oversee engagement with external bodies in matters relevant to IUPAC scientific activities;
- to hold a joint meeting with the Executive Board at least once a year;
- to implement the decisions of the Council and execute, together with the Executive Board, the program of the Union as directed by the Council;
- to attend the meetings of the Council.
To express an interest in being nominated as a candidate for the Science Board of IUPAC, please complete the nomination form and submit it before or on 1 March 2023. Applicants must be from a member country and preferably be nominated by their National Adhering Organisation.