IUVSTA Activities

June -December 1999

 IUVSTA was represented by Peter Barna at the World Conference on Science, organized by ICSU in Budapest, June 26-July 1. The results of the discussions were reported in a special issue of Science International in September; "World Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge" and "Science Agenda-Framework for Action". The main principles contained in the Declaration are:  

• i) use scientific knowledge in all fields in a responsible manner to address human needs

• ii) science should aim at the welfare of humankind

• iii) fundamental and problem-oriented research are essential

• iv) education and research programs in science and technology, especially in developing countries, need sustained support from governments and the private sector

• v) science education at all levels and without discrimination is a fundamental requisite.

• vi) expanded science literacy, ability and skills, and an appreciation of ethical values, are needed to improve public decision making on science issues

• vii) enhanced regional and international cooperation are needed to support scientific capacity building, especially in the small states and the least developed countries

• viii) new initiatives are required for interdisciplinary collaboration

• ix) use of information and communication technologies for free flow of knowledge should be expanded

• x) Intellectual property rights need to be protected on a global basis

  The 26th General Assembly of ICSU was held in Cairo, Egypt, 23-30 September, 1999, but IUVSTA did not have a representative.

 A successful International Thin Films Conference was held in Cancun, Mexico, August 30-September 2. In addition to the technical sessions, 4 short courses were presented and were very well attended. Elsevier Awards were made to students to allow them to attend the conference. The Executive Council meeting, ECM-84 was held immediately after the conference; it was hosted by the Mexican Vacuum Society and was very enjoyable, especially by those who like sun, heat and beach!  Ciro Falcony, Esther Vargas and Rosemary Ovando of the Mexican Vacuum Society did an excellent job on all the arrangements.

 The Division Program Committees for IVC-14 in San Francisco, October 29-November 2, 2001 were finalized during the AVS Conference in Seattle in October. Since the IVC will be combined with the AVS meeting, the program committee has representatives from both IUVSTA and AVS divisions.

 The 4th IUVSTA Summer School on "Quantum Devices and Nanostructures" was held in Cortona, Italy, July 15-24. There were 23 student attendees.