Statement of the 24th Governing Board

The Governing Board of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) held its 24th meeting at the ISTC Headquarter in Moscow. Representatives from 10 ISTC Parties attended with the European Union, Japan, Russian Federation, United States of America, and the Republic of Armenia represented on the Governing Board.

The ISTC approved 62 new projects representing nearly $13 million in new funding for activities in Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. New funding was provided by the EU, USA, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. These projects highlight important areas of science and technology research and development: air quality monitoring by infrared laser; new collagen burn treatments; non-toxic gas generators for automobile airbags; screening of new antibiotics; ultrasonic defecto-scope for quality control in industry; new testing methods for high-efficiency civil transportation.

The Board announced that 35 Partner projects totaling $12.5 million have been approved since the 23rd meeting, and noted the expanding participation of Partners in ISTC activities. ISTC Partners are intergovernmental, governmental, and non-governmental organizations (including the private sector) that provide funds to engage CIS scientists in peaceful research projects. Total ISTC project funding in all categories now surpasses US$335 million for 1,250 projects.

The Board noted with sadness the recent passing of Mr. Tariel Lordkipanidze, who headed the ISTC Branch Office in Georgia.

The Governing Board agreed to a process of rotation of the CIS member seat based on the date of accession to the ISTC, and welcomed Georgia to participate on the Governing Board through the next year. Since Armenia and Kazakstan have enjoyed Board membership, Georgia will be succeeded by Belarus and then the Kyrgyz Republic. The Board expressed its sincere appreciation to the previous CIS Board member – the Republic of Armenia – for its valued efforts on behalf of the ISTC.

In a special session devoted to “brainstorming” on the ISTC, the Governing Board members addressed the Center’s mission, strategies, and objectives, toward maintaining the ISTC at the forefront of multilateral nonproliferation efforts. Further, the Board requested the Executive Director to study the certification of the ISTC to ISO 9000 standards, and to propose a course of action for certification at the next Board meeting.

The Board established a Task Force to address staffing at the Center, toward meeting the highest standards of efficiency, fairness and integrity in ISTC personnel. The Task Force will be headed by the Executive Director, according to terms of reference provided by the Board.

The Governing Board met with Academician Nikolai Laverov – Vice President of the Russian Federation Academy of Sciences, for discussions regarding ISTC – Academy cooperation which advances the nonproliferation mission of the ISTC.

The ISTC Party delegations visited the All-Russian Research Institute of Automatics located in central Moscow. Since its inception, the ISTC has provided over $1.5 million for 15 projects that include ARRI Automatics participation, in areas such as nuclear safety and instrumentation, materials synthesis, and seismic monitoring.

The Governing Board agreed to hold its 25th meeting as a Plenary Session in the Kyrgyz Republic during the week beginning 22 October 2001.