Statement of the 27th Governing Board

The Governing Board of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) held its 27th meeting at State Residence “Ala Archa” in Bishkek. Representatives from 10 ISTC Parties attended with the European Union, Japan, Russian Federation, United States of America, and Georgia represented on the Governing Board.

The ISTC approved 61 new projects representing over $10.4 million and Euro 7.2 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 Republic of Korea. These projects highlight important areas of science and technology research and development: diagnostic methods and equipment for cancer; portable radiation monitors; desert climate studies; biotreatment for oil spills; aerosol vaccines for wildlife; greenhouse gas impact; new carbon and aluminum content materials.

The Board announced that 54 Partner projects totaling $13.5 million have been approved since the previous meeting, and noted the expanding participation of Partners in ISTC activities. ISTC Partners are private sector, intergovernmental, governmental, and non-governmental organizations that provide funds to engage CIS scientists in peaceful research projects. Total ISTC project funding in all categories now surpasses US$416 million for 1,587 projects.

The Governing Board approved important steps in the ISTC “Evolution to Partnership,” strengthening ISTC contributions to international science cooperation and sustainable Partnership. The ISTC will inaugurate a test case for International Science Laboratories toward establishing long-term cooperative exchanges based in institutes supported by ISTC. The Center will introduce Chief Science Coordinators to promote and coordinate ISTC inputs to initiatives identified by its Parties and Partners, as part of its updated staffing plan and policy. The ISTC evolution is supported by the Governing Board’s approval of early phases in ISTC progression to ISO 9000 certification.

The Governing Board expressed its gratitude for Georgia’s participation on the Governing Board through the last year, and welcomed the Republic of Belarus to participate through the coming year. Belarus nominated Academician Piotr Vityaz – Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences, to represent Belarus on the ISTC Governing Board.

The Governing Board extended the appointment of the Executive Director, Michael Kroening, for a one year period through October 2003, and approved the nomination of Lawrence Wright in the position of Deputy Executive Director – USA. The Board expressed its gratitude to departing Deputy Executive Director Randall Beatty, and to the Chief Contracting Officer Francisco Farina.

The ISTC delegations reviewed ISTC activity at the Institute of Seismology and the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavonic University, where the ISTC Branch Office is located. Delegations also visited the Institute of Cardiology. The Governing Board expressed its sincere gratitude for the welcome and hospitality of the Kyrgyz government.

The Governing Board agreed to hold an Executive Session meeting on 08 July 2002 in Brussels, to evaluate the ISTC vision of the future in Partnership, and agreed to convene its next Plenary Session meeting in Moscow on 23 October 2002.