The theme of this year's conference, "science for society," provides a framework for discussing a broad range of issues that includes global warming, food security and emerging infectious diseases. More than 150 scientists from 75 countries are expected to attend to the event, which is being hosted by the Mexican Academy of Sciences.

Highlights of this year's conference will include broad-based discussions of the major issues that have guided IAP's work over the past three years. These issues include mother-and-child health issues, capacity building for young science academies, science and education, and science and the media.

In addition, there will be two satellite symposia examining science education and the current state of scientific research concerning global groundwater supplies.

At the conference, the InterAcademy Council (IAC), headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, will officially issue its science capacity building report. The report, designed for decision makers across the globe, is designed to focus international attention on the critical role that scientific and technological capacity building plays in a nation's economic and social well-being. It also outlines the steps that should be taken to help build such capacity in developing countries.

For additional information, please contact Carlos Garza, Press Officer, Mexican Academy of Sciences, aic@servidor.unam.mx or Daniel Schaffer, Public Information Officer, Third World Academy of Sciences, schaffer@ictp.trieste.it.

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Monday, 1 December '"/>

Contact: Daniel Schaffer
schaffer@ictp.trieste.it
39-040-224-0538
Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics
21-Nov-2003