IASC Merges with AOSB; Secretariat Moves to Potsdam
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The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) is implementing several structural changes. The planned IASC merge with the Arctic Ocean Sciences Board (AOSB), combining the resources and scientific expertise of both organizations, was made official during Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) 2009 in Bergen, Norway.
Another change in structure—formation of Scientific Standing Committees and Action Groups as new core elements to advance IASC's mission—was presented during ASSW. Feedback received at the meeting and input from IASC member countries is currently being incorporated into the structure.
In March, IASC Executive Secretary Volker Rachold and the IASC secretariat moved to Potsdam, Germany. For the next five years, the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research will host the secretariat with financial support from the German Science Foundation. For three years prior to the move, the Swedish Research Secretariat in Stockholm hosted the IASC secretariat with funding from the Swedish Research Council. The secretariat is responsible for the daily operations of IASC including communication with council members and other organizations, management of IASC finances, and outreach and communication activities.
For more information, see the IASC website, or contact Volker Rachold at the secretariat (volker [dot] rachold [at] iasc [dot] se).