The International Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution (iCACGP) is proud to announce the formalisation of its updated commission objectives. This significant update, the result of over a year and a half of thorough internal consultation, provides a renewed strategic framework to guide the commission’s activities and better serve the global atmospheric science community.

The extensive revision process was expertly led by Prof. Hiroshi Tanimoto, whose dedication was instrumental in navigating the detailed discussions and feedback from across the commission.

The updated framework expands the commission’s focus from three to four primary objectives. The new structure not only refines existing goals but also introduces a crucial new objective dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion within the field.

The core objectives of the commission have been updated to be more specific and action-oriented. The first objective, promoting core research, now explicitly includes commitments to organizing biennial conferences with the IGAC Project and dedicated sessions with SOLAS. The second objective, which focuses on promoting international research programs, has been broadened to include “coordinating advocacy” for atmospheric science and “furthering the links” with wider earth system science communities.

A Strengthened Commitment to Early Career Researchers

Support for students and early career researchers (ECRs) has been significantly enhanced under the third objective. While retaining its commitment to facilitating travel support and bestowing the prestigious Paul Crutzen Early Career Award, the new objective embeds ECRs more deeply into the commission’s structure. Key new initiatives include:

• Promoting direct interactions between early, mid, and late-career scientists at ECR conferences and functions.
• Ensuring the formal participation of ECR liaisons in all iCACGP meetings and activities, giving the next generation a direct voice in the commission’s governance.

New Objective to Increase Diversity

A landmark change is the introduction of a fourth primary objective:

To increase diversity of perspectives in atmospheric chemistry and global air pollution research. This new objective codifies iCACGP’s commitment to building a more equitable and representative global community. The commission will actively pursue this goal by:

• Striving for geographic and demographic diversity in its meetings and activities.
• Nominating members of underrepresented groups and communities from different world regions to serve on other committees.
• Facilitating scientific activities that require and promote broad geographical representation.

These new objectives provide iCACGP with a clear, robust, and forward-looking mandate. The commission thanks Professor Tanimoto and all members who contributed their time and insight to this vital process.