Member Countries: Statement of the 20th Governing BoardSTATEMENT OF THE 20th GOVERNING BOARD OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER Moscow, Russian Federation 27 October 1999 The Governing Board of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) held its 20th meeting at the ISTC Secretariat headquarters in Moscow. Representatives from ten ISTC Parties attended with the European Union, Japan, Russian Federation, United States of America, and the Republic of Armenia represented on the Governing Board. At this meeting, the ISTC funded 33 new projects representing $8.8 million in new funding for scientists in Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. These projects include the following important areas of science and technology research and development: non-pathogenic bio-insecticides; radioactive waste handling and disposal; pollution monitoring; nuclear materials control and accounting; medical diagnostics for cancer, ulcers, and infectious diseases; lower limb prosthetics; laser cleaning of fragile works of art; new nano-materials and composites; and pipeline safety measuring equipment. The Board noted 11 Partner projects totaling $2.9 million were funded since the 19th meeting. Further, the Board approved the European Union contribution of Euro 500,000 to Y2K remediation efforts through the ISTC. Total project funding now surpasses $231 million for 835 projects. The Governing Board approved the fiscal year 2000 budget for the Center, reflecting sound planning for increases in science project activity, continued support to core ISTC activities such as seminars, patenting, and training, as well as resources for monitoring and auditing over 400 active ISTC projects. The Governing Board authorized the Secretariat to establish ISTC Branch Offices in Georgia and the Kyrgyz Republic, and expand support to ISTC Information offices within the Russian Federation. A general framework for the donation of equipment and materials was discussed by the Board, and will be submitted for approval in the nearest future. It will permit organizations recognized by the ISTC to provide material resources for activities that support ISTC objectives. ISTC Parties with oversight responsibility for both donor and recipient organizations will provide guidance and approval to the Center for such donations. The ISTC Parties developed guidelines ensuring that ISTC projects involving laboratory animals meet international standards for humane care. Following their approval, the Center shall actively inform proposing project teams of these guidelines, and insure that they are reflected in project proposals considered by the ISTC for funding. The ISTC Party delegations were honored to be received at a reception hosted by the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Russian Federation, His Excellency James Collins, at his Spaso House residence in Moscow. At the invitation of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Governing Board delegations visited Novosibirsk and Academgorodok in Siberia, for meetings with representatives of the Academy, scientific institutions, and the local government administration. In particular, the Governing Board noted progress in ISTC projects conducted at SRC Vector, the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant, and the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis. The Governing Board agreed to hold its 21st meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia on 16 March 2000. |