Cornerstones for SCOPE Projects

Role of National Committees and Scientific Bodies
SCOPE members and individual scientists provide the initial stimulus by proposing new directions for the SCOPE effort and suggesting new projects. All members are also strongly encouraged to contribute to the implementation of the projects as appropriate, for example, by:

• supplying relevant scientific material;
• proposing national specialists for participation in different phases of the project;
• proposing one or more national institutions for association with the project;
• supporting post-doctoral fellows to be associated with the project;
• appointing functional national groups to collaborate by providing case studies and other national contributions;
• sponsoring national studies and experiments;
• providing host facilities for workshops;
• providing fellowships to enable scientists from developing countries to participate in the project;
• supporting and coordinating separate publications from the project;
• etc.

When workshops are announced National Committees or International Unions and Committees may designate a participant or an observer, and will normally defray any costs involved.

Geographic and Disciplinary Balance
All project activities should reflect balanced geographic distribution between the main regions of the world and the widest range of disciplines concerned with the project topic without impairing quality or endangering the budget. Participation of young scientists and female scientists, especially from developing countries or from countries with transition economies, is strongly encouraged.

When identifying locations for workshops or other activities, the availability and quality of scientific and/or logistic local contributions are an important factor. Special consideration should be given to developing countries as venues. The project chairperson should always verify that the ICSU rules concerning non-discrimination and the free circulation of all bona fide scientists, notwithstanding their race, religion, political philosophy, ethnic origin, citizenship, language or sex will be followed in the country where the activity is planned.