ICSU welcomes new National Members

ICSU is pleased to welcome three new Members and a Scientific Associate to the ICSU family—the Dominican Republic, Lao PDR, the International Union of Immunological Societies, and the Society for Social Studies of Science.

ICSU’s Membership now comprises 116 National Members (representing 136 countries) and 30 International Scientific Unions.

The Dominican Republic joins ICSU through its Academy of Sciences. The Academy was created in 1974 by a group of eminent local scientists and has been actively involved with international organizations such as the InterAcademy Panel on International Issues (IAP) and the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS). It currently hosts the Caribbean Scientific Union and holds the Presidency until June 2010.

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) joins ICSU through the Lao National Science Council. The National Science Council was established in 2002 to promote the development of scientific research activities in Laos. The Council is responsible for academic and professional organizations in the country and also provides postgraduate training opportunities.

The International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) was established in May 1969. IUIS organizes international cooperation in immunology and promotes communication between the various branches of immunology and allied subjects. There are currently 54 Member Societies of IUIS, many of which belong to one of four Regional Federations encompassing Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia-Oceania.

The Society for Social Studies for Science (4S) joins ICSU as a Scientific Associate. 4S was founded in 1975 to bring together those interested in understanding science, technology, and medicine, including the way they develop and interact with their social contexts. The Society facilitates communication across conventional boundaries that separate the disciplines and across national boundaries that separate scholars.