what we do
ICS operates through Research, Fellowships, Workshops, Expert Group Meetings and Training Courses, Networking and e-learning activities relevant to Scientific Areas:
Pure and Applied Chemistry
Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences and Technologies
High Technology and New Materials
covering four interdisciplinary core programmes: Next generation biofuels and bio-based products; Geothermal energy; Rational drug design and development; Nanotechnology
Throughout its programmes ICS intends to: promote state-of-the-art research and transfer scientific knowledge through advanced training; support scientific communities in developing countries and countries in economic transition; bring benefits for individual scientists and technologists from beneficiary countries; provide decision makers with expertise in science-based technologies.
The Centre conceives and implements a series of activities aiming at strengthening the scientific and technological capabilities of developing countries and of countries in economic transition for their economic, social and environmentally sustainable development.
The identification of needs takes place during the various conferences/workshops/seminars/expert group meetings and through direct contacts with Governments, public and private Institutions and Associations in developing countries and in countries in economic transition, as well as within joint programmes developed with UNIDO (identified through its global network and Field Representation Offices).
Upon identification of the developing countries needs and the recommendations of the International Scientific Committee, an annual ICS Work Programme is formulated and submitted to the Steering Committee for endorsement and final approval by the UNIDO Director-General.
The ICS Work Programme is composed of a set of specific project proposals under each core programme and includes objectives, target beneficiaries, expected impact and results, instruments used for the achievement of the objectives, as well as the related budget.
Often ICS presents the results of activities, surveys and studies in specific publications, articles, manuals etc.
Projects are funded directly from the Centre's budget or through co-funding agreements with counterpart institutions or by the international donor community in the form of extra-budgetary funds.