Member Countries: Statement of the 33rd Governing BoardSTATEMENT OF THE 33rd GOVERNING BOARD OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER ISTC Headquarters, Moscow, Russian Federation 05 April 2004 The Governing Board of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) held its 33rd meeting at ISTC Headquarters in Moscow. Representatives from 11 ISTC Parties attended with Canada, the European Union, Japan, Russian Federation, United States of America, and Kyrgyz Republic represented on the Governing Board. The ISTC approved 59 new projects representing over $10.6 million and Euro 5.1 million in new funding for activities in Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and the Republic of Tajikistan. These projects highlight important areas of science and technology research and development: anti-viral treatments; energetic systems for space exploration; solid waste safety and disposal; neutrino and nuclear physics; protein synthesis; optical diagnostics. The Board announced that 22 Partner projects totaling nearly $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$595 million for 1,989 projects. Canada participated in its first Governing Board as a full member of the ISTC, an important milestone that was welcomed by all members of the Board. The Board also welcomed Tajikistan to the rotating CIS seat on the Board, thanking the Kyrgyz Republic for serving on the CIS Board seat during the previous year. The Board noted the approval of the European Union nomination of Mr. Norbert Jousten as ISTC Executive Director, expressing its eager anticipation of his leadership and vision when he begins his two-year term as later in April. The Governing Board also approved the creation of a Deputy Executive Director position from Canada, and asked the Secretariat and Coordination Committee to further define the functional role of this position. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to engaging the scientists of Russia's Closed Cities, and approved development of ISTC initiatives to further cooperation of ISTC Parties in the Closed Cities with existing and future ISTC programs. The Governing Board agreed to convene its next Plenary Session meeting in Moscow on 27 October 2004. List of projects approved for funding by ISTC Governing Board at the 33rd Funding Session. |