What is ICTAC?

The International Confederation for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (ICTAC) has the aim of promoting international understanding and cooperation in these branches of science through activities within its Scientific Committees, congresses to exchange information, and coordinating efforts towards standardization and nomenclature.

How did ICTAC Originate?

ICTAC originated as ICTA, the International Confederation for Thermal Analysis, which was formed at the First International Conference on Thermal Analysis held in Aberdeen, Scotland, during September 1965. A simple change of letters in "Conference", gave birth to a continuing "Confederation" responsible for providing a framework for the international growth of all aspects of thermal analysis.

In 1992, ICTA wished to emphasize a closer relationship between thermal analysis and calorimetry, and approved the change in its name to ICTAC.

Who are ICTAC Members?

ICTAC has some 500 individual members and 24 affiliated national or regional societies from 23 countries with a combined membership of over 5000. Other major geographical regions are also represented through Councillors-at-large and within ICTAC Committees.

How is ICTAC Administered?

Administration is the responsibility of a Council, which includes the Executive Committee made up of the current Officers and the Past-President. Each Affiliated Society elects one of its members to serve on the ICTAC Council. Four Councillors-at-large, from regions not so represented, are elected by the ICTAC membership.

The Chairman of the Scientific Commission, which currently includes committees and working groups on topics such as Calorimetry, Education, Environment, GeoSciences, Polymers, Kinetics, Nomenclature, Pharmaceuticals, Thermochemistry, Reactivity and Standardization, is also an ex-officio member of Council, as is the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the next Congress.

Election of Officers, and decisions on major issues of policy, are accomplished by the voting of members present at the Business Meeting held at each Congress.