Every two years, IUPAC holds an election for its officers and committee members. Any qualified individual who is interested in being nominated is invited to contact his/her National Adhering Organization (NAO) and/or the current committee officers. Details on the call for nominations for the members of Divisions and Committees is available here. Nominations must be completed no later than 15 February 2023.
Election of IUPAC Officers, Members of the Executive Board and Science Board
Chemistry and its adjacent subject areas are undergoing a revolution when it comes to data management, and topics such as sustainability, energy, food security and health. As the global organisation that provides a common language for chemistry, advocates the free exchange of scientific information, and fosters sustainable development, IUPAC must plan its scientific strategy to foresee the next areas in chemistry that will need clear guidelines on standardisation and data management. Therefore, at the end of 2023, we are inaugurating a new management structure to replace the Bureau and Executive Committee. Starting in 2024, IUPAC will be governed by its Officers and the Executive Board, under the oversight of the Council. IUPAC scientific activities will be managed by the Science Board.
Vacancies for the 2024-25 biennium are:
Vice President (and President-elect): The Vice President has a key leadership role within IUPAC, both in governance, as a member of the Executive Board, and in management, as Chair of the Science Board. The Vice President in 2024-25 will become President of IUPAC for the 2026-27 biennium, and in preparation for that role is asked to carry out a critical assessment of the programs and the projects of all IUPAC bodies. A broad understanding of the scope of IUPAC activities is vital to this role, along with the vision and leadership experience appropriate for the pre-eminent international body in chemistry.
Secretary General: The Secretary General carries out the business of the IUPAC, as specified by the Council, by the Executive Board, by the Science Board, or by the President, and is responsible for keeping its records and for the administration of the Secretariat, including oversight of and collaboration with the Executive Director. The Secretary General will be elected for a four-year term (2024-27) and will be eligible for a further four-year term. This role would particularly suit someone with significant experience in and understanding of IUPAC activities, for example as a Division President or Standing Committee Chair.
Executive Board Member (6): The Executive Board will have six members elected by the Council. Thus, IUPAC is seeking nominations of motivated candidates with experience in directing the affairs of a non-profit organisation whose work is done primarily by volunteers. Although prior knowledge and experience of IUPAC’s structures and modus operandi would be beneficial, we welcome nominations from candidates with governance experience in other organisations. See more details.
Science Board Member (5): In addition to five members chosen from the ranks of the Division Presidents and Committee Chairs, the Science Board will have five members from the chemistry community at large (with no current activities within IUPAC) elected by the Council. Thus, IUPAC is seeking nominations of motivated and experienced international thought leaders in chemistry and related subjects. These individuals should have good awareness and understanding of current and emerging issues in chemistry and how this relates to other sciences and the international scientific effort. Prior experience in advisory work of this nature would be a plus. See more details.
Further information on these roles can be found by contacting the current Secretary General, Professor Richard Hartshorn ([email protected]), or in the IUPAC Statutes and Bylaws (effective from 1 January 2024).
To express an interest in being nominated as Vice President, Secretary General, or Board Member, please complete the nomination form and submit before or on 1 March 2023. Applicants must be from a member country and preferably be nominated by their National Adhering Organisation.