The highest-level committee of WCRP is the Joint Scientific Committee (JSC). The JSC provides scientific guidance on all aspects of the Programme, in harmony with the overall aims and interests of the sponsoring organizations (WMO, IOC-UNESCO and ISC). The JSC is assisted by the WCRP Secretariat.
The specific tasks of the JSC are:
- To formulate the concept and scope of WCRP, define the inter-disciplinary scientific strategy and determine the specific objectives and priorities for the Programme,
- To review and assess the development of all elements of WCRP, formulate recommendations to guide further actions and report periodically on the progress of the Programme to the sponsoring organizations,
- To facilitate the exchange of information among the scientists participating in the Programme and the earth system science community in general, and relevant scientific institutions and agencies, at the national and international levels.
The JSC is led by a Chair, who is supported by a Vice-Chair and three Officers. The Chair, Vice-Chair, and Officers are elected by JSC members from the appointed JSC members. The tenure for each of these roles is two years and can be renewed.
The JSC has up to 18 members (including the Chair). Each member serves an initial term of 4 years that can be renewed by additional 2 year increments as approved by the WCRP co-sponsors. The JSC operates through annual meetings involving the chairs of WCRP’s activities, partners, and other invited experts as needed. JSC annual meetings typically involve representatives from all WCRP activities as well as from co-sponsors, partners, and funding agencies. A public part of each JSC meeting is typically accompanied by a closed session where budgets and confidential matters are discussed, and relevant decisions made. The annual meetings are supplemented by more frequent meetings of the JSC, as needed. The JSC leadership (Chair, Vice Chair, and Officers) meets more frequently and as required.