Statement of the 29th Governing Board

The Governing Board of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) held its 29th meeting at ISTC Headquarters in Moscow. Representatives from 10 ISTC Parties attended with the European Union, Japan, Russian Federation, United States of America, and Belarus represented on the Governing Board. The Governing Board welcomed Republic of Tajikistan on its accession to the ISTC Agreement pending confirmation from the Parties and received a request to join from the Government of Moldova.

The ISTC approved 60 new projects representing over $9.9 million and Euro 8 million in new funding for activities in Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. New funding was provided by the EU, USA, and Republic of Korea. These projects highlight important areas of science and technology research and development: development of nanostructured materials; tumor thermoradiotherapy enhancement; supersonic aircraft impact on environment.

The Board announced that 50 Partner projects totaling $ 28.8 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$482 million for 1690 projects.

The Governing Board approved important steps in the ISTC adjustment towards programmatic approach to its activities, strengthening ISTC contributions to international science cooperation and sustainable Partnership. The ISTC inaugurated a test case for International Science Laboratories towards 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 Governing Board approved the Fiscal Year 2003 activity plan and budget for the Center, including adequate personnel and financial resources to accommodate the project activity and programs projected into next year. The Board agreed to a burden sharing scheme among the Funding Parties, for activities undertaken by the Parties under Article 14 of the ISTC Agreement.

In a special session devoted to the ISTC present structure, the Board discussed measures to improve ISTC’s efficiency. The Governing Board instructed the ISTC Secretariat to continue towards its reorganization.

The Governing Board approved the continuation of Dr. Ronald F. Lehman, II as the Governing Board Chairman for one year.

The Governing Board will convene as Executive Session meeting in Paris from 3-4 February 2003.

The Governing Board agreed to hold its next Plenary Session in Moscow with Coordination Committee meeting beginning from 24 March, and with Governing Board meeting beginning from 26 March, 2003.

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