The essential elements of the Principle of the Universality of Science,
as defined in ICSU's statute 5 are non-discrimination
and equity. In accordance with this principle, all scientists should have
the possibility to participate, without discrimination and on an equitable
basis in legitimate scientific activities, whether they be conducted in
a national, trans-national or international context. ICSU has long promoted
this principle, in particular by defending the rights of scientists to
freely associate in international scientific meetings.
Matters related to this Principle are dealt with by ICSU’S Committee
on Freedom and Responsibility in the conduct of Science (CFRS),
which meets twice a year (meeting
reports). Recent changes in the international political climate and
concerns about international terrorism present new challenges for the
conduct of science, ICSU undertook a review of the Universality of Science
Principle in 2003 that proposed a revised wording to Statute 5. This revision
was approved by ICSU members at the 28th General Assembly in October 2005.
The principle of the Universality of Science is fundamental to scientific progress. This principle embodies freedom of movement, association, expression and communication for scientists as well as equitable access to data, information and research materials. In pursuing its objectives in respect of the rights and responsibilities of scientists, the International Council for Science (ICSU) actively upholds this principle, and, in so doing, opposes any discrimination on the basis of such factors as ethnic origin, religion, citizenship, language, political stance, gender, sex or age. ICSU shall not accept disruption of its own activities by statements or actions that intentionally or otherwise prevent the application of this principle. (Revised wording approved by the ICSU Executive Board, November, 2004)
Visa problems and the United States
1st World Conference on Research Integrity. Co-sponsored by ICSU.
Lisbon, Portugal, September 2007 (report)
Biosecurity and the practice of Life Sciences Research
Statements
Security vetting procedures and the Principle of Universality (letter to ICSU Members and Regional Offices)
August 2009
Scientific freedom and responsibility and the Israel-Palestine
conflict
October 2008
Promoting the integrity of science and the scientific
record
September 2008
Publication practices and indices and the role of peer
review in research assessment
July 2008
ICSU Condemns Violence against Scientists in Iraq
July 2006
Universality of Science in a Changing World
(including revised Statute 5)
December 2004
Israeli Scholars, ICSU and SCFCS statement
August 2002
ICSU Statement on Freedom in the Conduct of Science
October 1995
Published articles and letters
Sanctions against scientists prevent progress
Nature (vol. 461, p. 723) by Bengt Gustafsson
October 2009
Scientists should promote co-operation, not boycott Nature (vol. 447, p. 908) by Bengt Gustafsson
June 2007
Scientists must unite over Iraq Nature (vol. 444, p. 422) by Bengt Gustafsson
November 2006
International science meetings Science editorial (vol. 305, p. 1531) by Professor Jane Lubchenco (ICSU President)
and Professor Goverdhan Mehta (ICSU President-Elect)
September 2004
Resources and links
Freedom, Responsibility and Universality of Science (booklet)
Advice to organizers of international scientific meetings
ICSU Statutes and Policy
Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the conduct of Science (CFRS)
Minutes of CFRS meetings
ICSU Interdisciplinary Bodies
International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications
Committee on Data for Science and Technology
A short history of CFRS and its predecessor committees (May 2009)
