IAP - the global network of science academies, the InterAcademy Medical Panel (IAMP), and the InterAcademy Council (IAC) have established a single umbrella organization that will permit the three inter-academy networks to speak with one voice and thus have a greater impact on global issues of common interest.
Academies are typically independent national institutions that recognize excellence and achievement. They are merit-based, with members selected from among the leading scientific, medical and engineering minds within a country. The InterAcademy Partnership representing more than 130 academies, harnesses the power, authority and credibility of its member academies and to access their combined scientific talent.
“Our three inter-academy networks – IAP, IAC and IAMP –already have an accomplished track record of building the capacity of new and young academies, especially in developing countries, of providing syntheses and reports to national and international governance structures on scientific issues, and issuing statements that highlight critical areas for action with recommendations to policymakers,” says Mohamed Hassan, co-chair of IAP and one of the two presidents of the new body. “By coming together under the umbrella of the new InterAcademy Partnership, we will be able to build on and go beyond our track record.”
IAP and IAMP both have a long relationship with TWAS, which hosts their offices in Trieste, Italy, and cooperates with them on many of their initiatives.
The new InterAcademy Partnership will focus on four strategic priority areas:
• Providing evidence-based advice and perspectives on global issues, for example through the release of statements endorsed by the Partnership’s member academies.
• Building a scientifically literate global citizenry, for example through support to the IAP Science Education/Science Literacy programme.
• Strengthening the global scientific enterprise. The InterAcademy Partnership has already released a teaching guide – 'Doing Global Science: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in the Global Research Enterprise' (see http://www.interacademycouncil.net/24026/29429.aspx).
• Strengthening the global network of academies, including establishing new academies in countries where they do not currently exist.
The decision to formally establish the InterAcademy Partnership was taken at the General Assembly of IAP - the global network of science academies, when it met in Hermanus, South Africa, on 2 March 2016.
For the time being, each of the three participating organizations will retain its autonomy with regard to its current legal status, administrative structure, executive committee, projects and activities. However, there will be greater coordination among the co-chairs of the three networks and the secretariats.
In addition, a coordinated ‘branding’ will ensure greater visibility and impact with target audiences such as governments and international organizations.
In this regard, a new logo has been prepared, a new website established (see www.interacademies.org) and the three partner organizations will be renamed:
• IAP - the global network of science academies will become ‘IAP for Science’
• The InterAcademy Medical Panel (IAMP) will become ‘IAP for Health’
• The InterAcademy Council (IAC) will become ‘IAP for Research’.
The 130 member academies of the new InterAcademy Partnership are organized into four regional networks: the Association of Academies and Societies of Science (AASSA), the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC), the Inter American Network of Academies of Science (IANAS) and Network of African Science Academies (NASAC).
The governance structure of the new InterAcademy Partnership sees these four networks join the six co-chairs of the partner organizations on the Board of the InterAcademy Partnership.
“These regional networks are very active and bring a critical dimension to the structure of our new InterAcademy Partnership,” says Robbert Dijkgraaf, co-chair of IAP for Research and the second InterAcademy Partnership President. “New research and the application of science is vital if we are to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and when dealing with global challenges such as food security and climate change. By working together more cohesively than in the past under this new umbrella organization, we are able to bring both regional and global perspectives into the discussions and ensure that the voice of the scientific community is heard loud and clear.”
More information is available on the IAP conference on Science Advice (28 February to 1 March) taking place in Hermanus, South Africa here. You can also follow IAP on Twitter.
IAP - the global network of science academies / IAP for Science
Since 1993, IAP for Science, previously known as IAP - the global network of science academies, has harnessed the power found in the world’s scientific community to address global challenges and create a more successful world. IAP Science brings together 111 member academies to advise the global public and decision-makers on the scientific aspects of critical global issues, such as sustainable development, climate change and biotechnology. It also works to improve science education and scientific literacy in member countries.
InterAcademy Council / IAP for Research
Since 2000, IAP for Research, known up to now as the InterAcademy Council, has mobilized the best scientists and engineers worldwide to provide high quality in-depth advice to the United Nations and the broader global community on critical issues such as the importance of building scientific and technological capacity worldwide, a sustainable energy future, African agriculture, It has also reviewed the processes of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and, most recently, presented a broad vision of scientific responsibility in the global research enterprise.
InterAcademy Medical Panel / IAP for Health
Established in 2000, IAP for Health, known up to now as the InterAcademy Medical Panel, is a global network of more than 70 medical academies and medical sections of academies of science and engineering. It is committed to improving health world-wide, for example by strengthening the capacity of academies to provide evidence-based advice to governments on health and science policy, and by supporting projects by member academies to strengthen health research and higher education in their countries