Call for nominations: Scientific Committee of the Urban Health and Wellbeing Programme

The ISC and its Affiliated Body, Urban Health and Wellbeing (UHWB), are pleased to invite nominations to serve on the Scientific Committee of the Urban Health and Wellbeing Programme.

The International Science Council’s Affiliated Body Urban Health and Wellbeing is a global science programme considering the multi-factorial and systemic nature of the determinants and the manifestations of health and wellbeing in urban environments.

Since its launch in October 2014, it has contributed to advancing the new urban sciences by developing and applying systems approaches for a better understanding of cities as complex systems and how urban environments impact health and wellbeing. It has also been essential in connecting different disciplinary fields and programmes and academic networks for developing a new urban health science, which builds on systems and complexity science to advance our understanding of the role of cities and urban environments for improving health and wellbeing and ultimately, sustainable development.

The Scientific Committee will define the strategic and thematic priorities of the UHWB programme within the frame of its new science plan 2021-2025, as it continues its work in advancing new urban sciences and systems approaches for a better understanding of cities as complex systems and of how urban environments impact health and wellbeing. The Programme usually meets twice per year, normally for 2 days, at least once physically. Some work is also carried out between meetings, and committee members may be asked to contribute to specific working or review groups. Expenses for travel and accommodation for all meetings are covered by the UHWB Programme Office.

The main criterion for selection is scientific expertise. The SC must bring together a broad range of disciplines covering natural, social, behavioural, engineering, health, and systems sciences, as they relate to the programme’s focus. Additional areas of expertise of value to the SC are: resilience and risk reduction, education, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, complex systems and modelling, and bridging the science-policy interface. Links with relevant policy networks and funding agencies are an asset. Experience and willingness to work with a very interdisciplinary group is critical. Gender and geographic balance are also taken into account.

Up to 6 Scientific Committee members will be appointed until end of May 2025. Their term is renewable once. Only ISC members and scientific institutions can nominate. Note that nominations by individuals and self-nominations will be rejected. 

Further information on the UHWB programme and scientific committee nomination process is available here.

If you would like to be nominated for the Scientific Committee by AASSREC please email the nomination details to the AASSREC Secretary-General michelle.bruce@socialsciences.org.au by Wednesday 27 July 2022.