5.2: Scientific Capacity
Ensure that capacity building, which is integral to all aspects of ICSU’s mission, is given the necessary attention in all
the activities of the ICSU community and in relevant policy fora.
Other Information:
Capacity building in science encompasses the efforts that are required to establish and maintain a critical mass of qualified
scientists with the supporting infrastructure, including facilities and working conditions, that enable them to conduct research,
education, training and advisory work. Capacity building is a challenge in all countries, although there are particular issues
in many developing countries, where limited financial resources and an absence of universal education systems, amplify the
problems. In 2004, the InterAcademy Council produced a widely-acclaimed report, “Inventing a better future: A strategy for
building worldwide capacities in science and technology” (IAC 2004a). This report provided the basis for ICSU to conduct its
own Priority Area Assessment (ICSU, 2005b) to help define where it could uniquely contribute. Almost all ICSU Members and
many Interdisciplinary Bodies are involved in capacity building activities and the potential added value of the new ICSU Regional
Offices to these activities is considerable. Capacity building is a cross-cutting issue for all ICSU’s international science
activities and will be integrated into the development of all new initiatives, from the International Polar Year through to
Sustainable Development. Science education is a critical aspect of capacity building. ICSU itself has been very active in
promoting enquiry-based science education at the early primary education level. Many Members have science education activities,
ranging from the production of education materials to the development and implementation of education programmes. In partnership
with the InterAcademy Panel, ICSU has developed an electronic ‘clearing house’ for the exchange of information on these activities.
Objective(s):
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