One of IUBS’ main activities is to initiate, facilitate and coordinate research and other scientific activities necessitating international, interdisciplinary cooperation. IUBS conducts international collaborative scientific programmes in close cooperation with its ordinary and scientific members.
IUBS possesses core strengths in integrative biology that contribute to better understanding of life and its diversity. In this context, IUBS has been actively partnering with the "Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)" since 1998. A specific example of its active role is in the organization of meetings of “Science for Biodiversity Forum” at the CBD, framing policies with scientific information for the attainment of the goals of the conventions. IUBS supplements these core strengths by integrating information from other areas of biology, and from the physical sciences and humanities, to help solve major environmental problems.
In order to facilitate the implementation of future Scientific Programmes, IUBS supports projects, which prepare transnational research, with the aid of its Ordinary and Scientific Members.
IUBS has always considered science education, outreach and public engagement as important activities. Science education not only attracts, engages and nurtures the future generation for science but also helps in building scientific temperament in the society.
To ensure that it remains active and relevant to all member countries, and to attract potential new members, IUBS aims to be more inclusive; its scientific programs include representatives from as many member and non-member countries as possible.
