ICOMOS is supported by a number of International Scientific Committees (ISCs) on various cultural heritage themes and issues, which act as ICOMOS technical bodies. As such, they undertake research, develop conservation theory, guidelines and charters, and foster training for better heritage conservation, promote international exchange of scientific information and carry out common projects.
The ISCs are vehicles through which ICOMOS brings together, develops and serves its worldwide membership according to fields of specialized interest. ICOMOS expects the ISCs to be at the heart of scientific inquiry and exchange in their domains and to share knowledge among them, in order to foster a multi-disciplinary approach to heritage protection and management. The ISCs are governed by the Eger-Xi’an Principles for The International [Scientific] Committees of ICOMOS (updated October 2013).
Additionally, all Australian International Scientific Committee members are bound by the Australia ICOMOS Code of Conduct for members of the EC & all sub-Committees & Groups.
The various membership categories in the ISCs are open to all full financial members of ICOMOS – it is the intention of ICOMOS that its ISCs:
- continually gather a membership that includes the most recognised experts in its field of specialisation
- are representative of all of the world regions or pertinent regions
- recruit young or beginning professionals seeking such specialisation
- give all their members ample opportunities and stimulus to become actively engaged in the work of the Committee
Australia ICOMOS currently has members on most of the ISCs and actively encourages full financial members to apply to Australia ICOMOS for endorsement as a member of an ISC. Some ISCs have also had (and still have) Australia ICOMOS members as Presidents – CLICK HERE for this information.
The ISCs are listed below. Please note that the ISC members listed on these ISC webpages are only those that are also Australia ICOMOS members.
- ISCARSAH – International Scientific Committee on the Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage
- ICOMOS Pasifika – International Scientific Committee of the Pacific Islands
- CIF – International Training Committee
- ISCEAH – International Scientific Committee on Earthen Architectural Heritage
- ICUCH – International Committee on Underwater Cultural Heritage
- ISC20C – International Scientific Committee on 20th Century Heritage
- ISCCL – International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes
- IcoFORT – International Scientific Committee on Fortifications & Military Heritage
- ICIP – Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites
- CIPA – International Committee on Heritage Documentation
- ICAHM – International Committee for Archaeological Heritage Management
- CIAV – International Committee for Vernacular Architecture
- CIVVIH – International Committee on Historic Cities, Towns and Villages
- ISCES – International Scientific Committee on Energy and Sustainability
- IIWC – ICOMOS International Wood Committee
- ICLAFI – International Committee on Legal, Administrative and Financial Issues
- CIIC – International Committee on Cultural Routes
- ICTC – Cultural Tourism
- IPHC – International Polar Heritage Committee
- ISCS – International Committee on Stone
- ICICH – International Scientific Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage
- ISCMP – International Scientific Committee on Mural Painting
- ISCEC – International Scientific Committee on the Economics of Conservation
- ICORP – International Committee on Risk Preparedness
- CAR – International Committee on Rock Art
- ISCSBH – International Scientific Committee on Shared Built Heritage
- ISCTC – International Scientific Committee on Theory and Philosophy of Conservation and Restoration
- ISCCSG – International Scientific Committee for the Conservation of Stained Glass
- PRERICO – International Scientific Committee on Places of Religion and Ritual
Australian Presidents of ISCs
International Cultural Tourism Committee
Graham Brooks, President, 2001 – 2011
International Scientific Committee on 20th Century Heritage
Sheridan Burke, President, 2005 – present
International Scientific Committee for Archaeological Heritage Management
Brian Egloff, President, 1999 –2009
International Scientific Committee for the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites
Sue Hodges, President, 2015 – present
International Scientific Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage
Marilyn Truscott, President, 2010 – 2013
Sue McIntyre-Tamwoy, President, 2013 – present
International Polar Heritage Committee
Michael Pearson, President, April 2018 – present
Julian Bickerseth, President, 2011 – April 2018
International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes
Steve Brown, President, 2014 – 2017
