Scientists consequently have many informal and formal international contacts.
In some cases these have led to the formation of international groups and organisations. In Europe this process of internationalising has been well established notably through the European Community research and technical development frameworks and through the activities of the European Science Foundation. These collaborations should, in particular, deal with large facilities and common research programmes. Individual laboratories and universities are excluded. All the requests received by the Secretariat since the last General Meeting must be laid before the General Meeting, where the decision is made.