Procedures and Criteria for Appointment of ICSU Committees

Procedures

Standard procedures for appointing ICSU committees are followed in so far as it is feasible but it should be recognized that there are situations when for a variety of reasons, and in particular because of timing, some flexibility in processes is necessary.

The procedures approved by the Executive Board cover the appointment of:

• Policy Committees (CSPR, PCDC, CF)
• Regional Committees
• Ad hoc Review, Assessment, Scoping or Planning Committees
• Committees associated with Interdisciplinary Bodies
• ICSU Representation on various other Committees or Bodies

Generic selection criteria for ICSU committees

Appointments to ICSU bodies are normally made ad hominem and members are not expected to formally represent individual Unions, Interdisciplinary Bodies or National Members, irrespective of how they were originally nominated.

• A number of factors always have to be taken into account when selecting individuals to serve on ICSU committees:
• Individual expertise and aptness for the task in hand.  This often, but not always, equates to scientific excellence.
• Geographical balance, in particular the balance between developed and developing world, with a focus on regions rather than countries.
• Gender balance.

There are also a number of secondary criteria that can have more or less importance depending on the task in hand:

• Disciplinary balance, taking into account that many individuals themselves come from multidisciplinary backgrounds
• Experience with national and/or international policy and decision-making processes.
• Familiarity with ICSU and its structures – it is often appropriate to have a balance between ‘old hands’ and ‘new blood’.
• Vision and open-mindedness, including ability to work in committee. This is very important but not always apparent a priori.  It should also be noted in this context that fluency in English is essential.
• Age – a balance between ‘wise old hands’ and ‘fresh new blood’ is often most appropriate.