The SDIC recommends that the Bureau approve and implement a policy of
relying on short-term Task Groups to carry out specific projects under
the direction of Division Committees. A limited number of long-term Commissions
could be formed to advise each Division Committee and augment its breadth
of expertise. Three concurrent actions are required, as follows:
1. In September, 1998, the Bureau should approve a policy of providing
IUPAC funds for support of approved projects and other specific activities,
not support of Titular Members per se. The Bureau should endorse repeal
or amendment of Bylaw 4.307, and Council should be asked to take this action
in 1999, to be effective January 1, 2002.
2. In September 1998, the Bureau should endorse the phasing out of all
existing Commissions by the end of 2001 and to recommend that Council take
this action at the General Assembly in 1999. The Bureau should indicate
that it will be receptive to very well justified proposals from Divisions
to form a small number of new long-term Commissions, each with a termination
date of no more than ten years, to carry out activities that require such
a long-term commitment.
3. The Divisions should be encouraged by the Bureau to accelerate the
timetable in (1) and (2) to the extent feasible. Since all appointments
to Commissions are now made for a two-year period, it may be desirable
for a Division, on a case by case basis, to reduce the size of particular
Commissions and to divert the financial resources to support of specific
projects. The Treasurer should be asked to cooperate with Divisions in
redirecting financial resources, including funds reserved for the General
Assembly, away from support of TMs per se toward support of individuals
working on projects. Beginning in 2002, major changes in Division budgets
will occur, as described in a later section.