The history and structure of the Union are described in two articles^[1][2] in scientific journals.

IUVSTA is a Union (or federation) of National Vacuum Societies. There can be only one member society (or National Committee) in any one nation. This Society must be representative of the scientific and technical fields encompassed by the Divisions of IUVSTA. Where appropriate a Society can represent more than one nation. IUVSTA can only recognise societies in geographical areas recognised by the United Nations as independent nations.

Member societies edit

• Applied surface science
• Biointerfaces^[3]
• Electronic materials & processing
• Nanometer structures
• Plasma sciencce and technologies
• Surface engineering
• Surface science
• Thin film
• Vacuum science and technology

Conference organization edit

• European Conference on Surface Science (ECOSS) annual series in collaboration with the European Physical Society.^[4]
• European Vacuum Conference series. Biennial.
• International Thin Film Conference.^[5]
• International Vacuum Congress and Exhibition, for all areas of activity of the Union. Triennial.
• Vacuum and Surface Sciences Conference of Asia and Australia (VASSCAA). Biennial.

Workshops and education edit

• Workshops on front-line research.
• An education program for both technically developed and developing countries in the form of schools, webinars and technical training courses.

Standards and prizes edit

• Interaction with the International Organization for Standardization on the establishment of international vacuum standards.^[6]
• The awarding of international prizes:
  • The IUVSTA Prize for Science
  • The IUVSTA Prize for Technology
  • The IUVSTA EBARA Award
  • The IUVSTA Medard W. Welch International Scholarship
  • The IUVSTA Elsevier Student Travel Awards

IUVSTA maintains formal links with other Non-Government Organizations involved in education, and the promotion and dissemination of science and associated techniques. With the support of IUVSTA divisions, fruitful cooperation with UNESCO, ISC, ICTP and TWAS have been initiated and developed. Such contacts facilitate the organization of specialized workshops and may offer financial support for students attending short courses, seminars and congresses. Links with other organizations such as ISO are the responsibility of the IUVSTA divisions.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) edit

IUVSTA has been admitted to UNESCO in the “Relations Operationnelles” category.^[7]

International Science Council (ISC) edit

IUVSTA is a Scientific Associate of the International Science Council (formerly International Council of Scientific Unions, ICSU) ^[8]

International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) edit

IUVSTA cooperates financially and scientifically with International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in the organization of workshops of high scientific level held in Trieste. These workshops address a post-graduate and post-doctoral audience from the lesser developed countries.^[9]

Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) edit

Preliminary contacts have been made with Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) which foresees the organization of short courses on rough vacuum techniques and applications dedicated to technicians.

International Standards Organization (ISO) edit

IUVSTA has a formal liaison with the International Standards Organization (ISO). IUVSTA sends a representative to the TC/201 Surface Chemical Analysis committee and to the ISO TC/112 Vacuum Technology committee. These links are maintained via the Applied Surface Science and Vacuum Science and Technology divisions, respectively.^[10]

Current primary officers edit

Source:^[11]

Current national councillors edit

List of presidents edit

Source:^[12]

• IUVSTA web site, iuvsta.org
• Physics World August 2016, live.iop-pp01.agh.sleek.net Archived 2017-04-06 at the Wayback Machine. IUVSTA reflections. An Interview with Mariano Anderle, IUVSTA President 2013–2016.