who we are
The International Centre for Science and High Technology (ICS-UNIDO) operates within the legal framework of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, in Trieste (Italy) and is financially supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Institutional Agreement between the Italian Government and UNIDO was signed on 9 November 1993 and entered into force on 26 February 1996. It constitutes the reference document that determines the mission of ICS in respect of the planning and implementation of activities aimed at the transfer and application of scientific knowledge and transfer of eco-friendly technologies, in support of sustainable industrial development for the benefits of developing countries and countries in economic transition.
History
ICS is one of the many scientific institutions and organizations located in Trieste.
The city's science base took off last century, not long after the end of World War 2, which brought a new geopolitical situation and perspective to Trieste. The loss of the city's hinterland and its function as a centre of trade for central and eastern Europe, the presence of the Iron Curtain just a few miles away, combined with the specific geopolitical position of Trieste, the intersection of North and South and East and West, led the Italian Government together with the local authorities to undertake an exceptional effort to develop Trieste as a centre for international scientific cooperation.
The first centre to be created was the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), founded in 1964 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam. The choice of location was of great political significance in the post-war era, and the founders' goal was to raise awareness of the peaceful applications of science: knowledge at the service of mankind. Scientists from the world over have congregated here ever since.
Salam's dream for Trieste went further than ICTP: he wanted to create other centres, dedicated to disciplines not covered at ICTP. While biotechnologies were covered by the new International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnologies, ICGEB, other areas such as earth sciences and a range of important new technologies still needed addressing. These became the areas of operation of ICS. The name the Centre took was designed to indicate the wide range of activities covered.
ICS operated for 10 years at Miramare, close to ICTP. In 1998 it moved to new premises at the AREA Science Park.
ICS is financed through a contribution from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the early years, funding was assigned on an ad hoc basis until the issuing of an ad hoc law (no. 51) in February 1995, that guaranteed funding for ICS, paid by the Italian Government through the UNIDO Industrial Development Fund. ICS also wins funding for the projects it promotes from the international donor community.
Structure
- The Managing Director: appointed by the UNIDO Director-General on the basis of the recommendations of the Steering Committee, bears the overall responsibility for the administration and management of ICS. The Managing Director formulates an annual Work Programme, taking into consideration the recommendations of the International Scientific Committee
- The Steering Committee: is in charge of reviewing and endorsing the annual ICS Work Programme and Budget and other related matters to be recommended for approval by the UNIDO Director-General
- The International Scientific Committee: reviews the overall programme of ICS from the scientific point of view and makes comments and recommendations to be submitted for approval by the UNIDO Director-General. The International Scientific Committee reflects the relevant scientific disciplines and includes an adequate number of qualified scientists and technologists from developing countries and from the host country