IUSSP Council meets in Paris to set priorities for 2026–2029
Aubervilliers/Paris, France, 7-8 April 2026

The newly elected IUSSP Council met on 7–8 April 2026 at INED in Aubervilliers/Paris for the first Council meeting of its 2026–2029 mandate. The Council reviewed recent activities and discussed the future direction of the Union, its scientific priorities, finances, and preparations for major upcoming events, including the IUSSP Centennial in 2028 and the 2029 International Population Conference (IPC2029) in Barcelona Spain. It was also an opportunity to meet with the INED director Francois Clanché.

2025 A Year of Recognition and Transition

Council members began by reviewing IUSSP’s mission and recent achievements. Particular attention was given to the Union’s receipt of the 2025 United Nations Population Award, an important recognition of IUSSP’s long-standing contribution to population science. Council members noted that the award provides an opportunity to strengthen IUSSP’s visibility and voice in international population discussions. Council members discussed the importance of using the coming years to consider how IUSSP can evolve and remain sustainable in an evolving scientific and funding environment.

Scientific Activities Remain Strong

The Council reviewed the Union’s scientific activities in 2025, which included 12 seminars, workshops, conferences, and other events involving nearly 1,500 participants. Approximately 500 participants came from low- and middle-income countries. 

IUSSP’s scientific panels continue to be the backbone of its scientific programme. Several Panels were renewed, while a number of new Panel proposals were approved for the coming years. 

Newly approved scientific panels include:

• Adult Mortality in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (2026-2030)
• Aligning Population Policies with Low Fertility (2026-2029)
• Climate and Environmental Demography (2026-2030)
• Climate Change, Gender, and Migration (2026-2029)
• Voluntary and Involuntary Childlessness (2026-2029)
• Measuring Contraceptive Agency: From Rights-Based Frameworks to Survey-Ready Indicators for the Final SDG Period and Beyond (2027-2030)

Current and new Panels are listed here. 

A particular priority for the new Council will be strengthening engagement with early-career researchers. A new Early Career Perspectives Panel will be established, building on the successes of previous training and mentoring activities while expanding networking opportunities at conferences and other events. 

Financial Sustainability is a Central Concern

While IUSSP remains financially stable, much of the Council’s discussion focused on long-term sustainability. Council members noted that donor funding for population research has become increasingly uncertain, while membership dues currently cover only a relatively small share of operating costs. These trends are not unique to IUSSP and reflect broader challenges facing many international scientific associations.
As a result, the Council began a broader discussion about the future organizational model of IUSSP. Questions raised included how to diversify revenue sources, strengthen institutional partnerships, increase membership engagement, and ensure the Union remains financially sustainable beyond 2029.

Membership and Engagement

Council also discussed how to strengthen the value of IUSSP membership in an era when researchers have many competing professional networks and associations. Ideas included expanding webinars and networking opportunities, strengthening collaborations with regional associations, and increasing the visibility of members’ research through IUSSP communications.

Council also considered ways to give student affiliates a greater stake and voice in the Union by proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow them to vote in Council elections. This change would require approval by the membership through a vote.

Finally, Council discussed ways to strengthen and build on the institutional affiliation programme launched in 2024, to increase the role and voice of population institutions in IUSSP activities and foster greater interaction between these institutions and IUSSP’s international membership.

Looking Ahead to Barcelona 2029

The Council reviewed lessons from the 2025 International Population Conference in Brisbane and began planning for the next IPC, which will be held in Barcelona in July 2029.

Albert Esteve (IUSSP Council member), Mariona Lozano and Carlos Sanchez Moya, from the Centre for Demographic Studies (CED) at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and Clara Cortina, from Demosoc at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), will lead the local organization of the Barcelona conference. The event, jointly organized by CED/UAB and Demosoc/UPF will be hosted by Pompeu Fabra University in a central location near the city's waterfront. The organizers aim to create a high-quality conference with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. They plan to provide networking and training opportunities and to promote media engagement at the conference and will do their utmost to facilitate the obtention of visas for participation from all regions.

Celebrating 100 Years of IUSSP

One of the most exciting topics discussed was preparation for the IUSSP Centennial in 2028.

The Council agreed that the centennial should be celebrated through a year-long programme of activities rather than a single event. Plans under consideration include a launch event in Paris, activities at regional conferences around the world, and major celebrations linked to the 2029 International Population Conference in Barcelona.
Council expressed enthusiasm for involving the broader membership through personal reflections, testimonials, photographs, and stories documenting the history and impact of IUSSP over the past century.

Importantly, the Council emphasized that the centennial should not simply look backward. Instead, it should highlight the continuing relevance of population science and IUSSP’s role in addressing the major demographic challenges facing societies in the decades ahead.

Recognizing Excellence

The Council selected Jane Bertrand as the 2026 IUSSP Laureate in recognition of her distinguished contributions to population science especially her commitment to applying rigorous scientific research on family planning and reproductive health policies and programmes to improve services for vulnerable populations in some of the world’s poorest countries.  An in-person ceremony was held at the Population Association of America annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri on May 7th and a virtual Laureate Ceremony will be organized on 28 September.  

Preparations are also underway for the next cycle of IUSSP Early Career Awards, which continue to be organized in partnership with regional population associations and remain an important mechanism for recognizing emerging talent across all world regions. The deadline for nominations is 1 November 2026. 

As the new Council begins its mandate, discussions in Paris made clear that IUSSP faces both significant challenges and important opportunities. Maintaining scientific excellence, strengthening global engagement, ensuring financial sustainability, and demonstrating the continuing relevance of population science will be central themes guiding the Union over the next four years. The Council encourages members to play an active role in IUSSP scientific activities, networks, and governance. Member engagement is essential to advancing the Union’s mission.