Our Members

ICSU currently has 31 Scientific Union Members and 120 National Scientific Members covering 140 countries. In addition, ICSU has 22 International Scientific Associates.

There are two categories of full Members: National Members and International Scientific Unions.

National Members

Of the 120 National Scientific Members 90 are full National Scientific Members, 8 are National Scientific Associates and 22 National Scientific Observers. National Scientific Associates are potentially qualified, but not yet ready, for full membership and National Scientific Observers are those Members which have failed to fulfil their financial obligations.

A National Scientific Member adheres to ICSU either through its principal scientific academy, or its national research council, or any other institution or association of institutions effectively representing the range of scientific activities in a definite territory and which has been in existence for at least four years. National Scientific Associates and National Scientific Observers have no vote.

International Scientific Unions

The Scientific Unions are international, non-governmental, professional organizations devoted to the promotion of activities in a particular area of science, and have been in existence for at least six years.

Scientific Associates

There are 22 Scientific Associates are organizations that work in areas related to ICSU's priorities and activities, and whose scientific activities do not fall primarily within the scope of a single Scientific Union Member. Scientific Associates must have been in existence for at least six years and have no vote.