What Is URSI?

The International Union of Radio Science (French: l'Union Radio-Scientifique Internationale, or URSI) was officially created in 1919, during the Constitutive Assembly of the International Research Council, based on the earlier Commission Internationale de Telegraphie sans Fil (1913-1914) when the only radio communication system was radiotelegraphy. It has held a general assembly every three years from 1922. In each nation which adheres to the international organization, the affairs of URSI are administered by a national committee. In this country the USA National Committee of URSI is organized similar to the international body. It includes representatives of government, industry, and academic institutions. In addition, each of the seven URSI commissions maintains an active membership which is based on a high level of technical competence. Appointments to membership are made by the National Academy of Sciences upon recommendation of the USA National Committee. Delegates to the General Assemblies are drawn from this roster.