We are pleased to announce that the Academy has joined the membership of the International Science Council (ISC), enabling us to build on our strengths as a trusted voice for global health and science issues.
The ISC brings together more than 230 members, including international scientific unions and associations from natural and social sciences, the humanities, and national and regional scientific organisations such as academies and research councils.
Together with their members and partners, the ISC works at a global level to catalyse and convene scientific expertise, and to advise and influence on issues of major concern to science and society. It is the only international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that brings together organisations from both the natural and social sciences, integrating scientific excellence and science policy expertise across these disciplines.
As a member of the ISC, we will be providing biomedical and health expertise to contribute further to its impactful work. This includes sharing the collective knowledge and expertise of our Fellows and emerging research leaders to help shape ISC programmes, governance, and strategic direction.
Working in partnership with other members of the ISC, the Academy hopes to understand and address global health research and development challenges by identifying new approaches to be agile, inclusive and innovative in our international work.
Today, Professor Tom Solomon CBE FMedSci Vice President (International), is joining the ISC mid-term meeting in Paris to discuss global science developments and ISC priorities.
Professor Tom Solomon CBE FMedSci, Vice President (International) of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:
“Health disparities, such as the effects of climate change and growing social inequalities, require coordinated and immediate action from the best minds across science to develop impactful solutions. We are pleased to be working with the ISC to tackle both current and future global health challenges, using our shared core values of increasing health equity, acting on evidence and striving for excellence to drive change. With its strong links to United Nations Agencies, the ISC provides an ideal route to deliver change in health issues of international importance.
“We look forward to contributing to some of the ISC’s upcoming work including trust in science, social determinants of youth mental health and the global implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ISC’s broad knowledge base is an excellent forum for developing new international relationships and sharing learnings. The Academy is pleased to be bringing our expertise of biomedical and health sciences to the ISC.”
Professor Sir Peter Gluckman KNZM FRS FMedSci, President of the International Science Council, said:
"The International Science Council is delighted to welcome the Academy of Medical Sciences to our organisation. It joins at a critical juncture in humanity, where all sciences, including life sciences, natural and social science and the humanities, must come together and meet the existential challenges we face. The pandemic showed us how a health emergency progressed into convergent societal and economic emergencies, including an "infodemic" that had an impact on lives and livelihoods. Medical and health sciences must raise their voice to be part of the international science community and we are looking forward to a continued partnership."