Call for Steering Group members of the “Forum on Publishing and Research Assessment” | deadline: 4 July 2025

Composition and Term

The Steering Group shall consist of a Chair, a Vice-Chair, and up to ten additional members, appointed on the basis of their expertise in scientific publishing, research assessment, science policy, and related fields. The membership of the Group shall also aim to include, as far as possible, a balanced representation of scientific disciplines and give due regard to regional and gender balance. It should have one Governing Board representative, and one member from the ISC Fellows, if possible.

The Group is appointed by the ISC Governing Board. Members are appointed from July 2025 to December 2026, with extensions depending on project developments and ISC priorities.

The Group shall be chaired by one or two of the members, elected by the members and appointed by the ISC Vice-President for Science and Society. The Chair shall lead the Group and liaise with the project team.

Members of the Group serve in an individual capacity and on a pro bono basis.

The International Science Council will be represented in an ex officio capacity on the Group.

Priority tasks

The Steering Group will:

• Provide strategic advice to the ISC Governing Board and Secretariat on the overall direction, scope, and priorities of the work
• Contribute to and provide feedback to the ISC project manager and team on project outputs (e.g., reports, statements, policy briefs, etc.)
• Support the promotion and dissemination of project findings and recommendations
• Advise on stakeholder engagement, including engagement with ISC Members, universities and research institutes, research funders, publishers, patent agencies, copyright organizations, policy-makers, AI companies, and relevant networks such as CoARA and DORA

Additional tasks

Depending on resources, the Steering Group may:

• Support the ISC in fostering relations and collaborations with other relevant organisations and initiatives related to open science, research assessment, and responsible research practices
• Contribute to ISC strategic or action planning processes
• Contribute to fundraising efforts and organizational development projectsWorking modalities

The Steering Group will meet approximately four times per year, primarily virtually, with occasional in-person meetings aligned with major milestones or events. Ad hoc subgroups may be established for specific tasks (e.g., peer review, stakeholder consultations, dissemination, etc.). Decisions will be made by consensus where possible and otherwise by majority vote.

Steering Group members are expected to:

• Attend and actively contribute to all scheduled meetings (virtually or in person)
• Review and provide timely feedback on draft documents
• Act as ambassadors for the project within their networks and regions
• Provide links to relevant initiatives, networks, and other opportunities for dissemination and uptake

Members of the Steering Group are expected to abide by the ISC Code of Conduct.

The ISC Secretariat will be responsible for convening meetings, preparing documentation, and coordinating follow-up actions. The ISC Secretariat will also maintain records of meetings and circulate minutes, agendas, and key documents in advance of each meeting.

Authorized travel expenses incurred by Group members will be covered by the ISC according to the ISC travel policy.