The Leopoldina’s President, Professor Jörg Hacker said: “We are very much looking forward to receiving this distinguished group of international scientists in our headquarters.” He added that this occasion would help make the new location a centre for international dialogue and exchange on issues relating to providing science-based advice to society and policymakers.
The Executive Committee of the InterAcademy Panel (IAP) will be meeting first, on 26 and 27 March. The IAP is an international network of over 100 national academies that aims to promote cooperation among its members and advise governments and social actors on issues of global relevance.

“The support of a national academy such as the Leopoldina is important in fostering the IAP network,” says IAP Co-Chair and former President of the African Academy of Sciences, Professor Mohamed Hassan of Sudan. Professor Hassan also emphasised the excellent cooperation between the IAP and the Leopoldina when it comes to promoting outstanding junior scientists.

After the two-day meeting of the IAP, the Executive Committee of the InterAcademy Council (IAC) will meet on 28 March. “The 2012 IAC Board meeting in Halle will provide an opportunity to set an agenda for producing future IAC reports of critical importance to all nations”, says Professor Robbert Dijkgraaf, the Co-Chair of the IAC and President of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.

The IAC is an association of national academies that produces reports on global issues relating to science, technology and health to advise international organisations like the World Bank and the United Nations. The IAC recently contributed its expertise to an evaluation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, for example.