"This site is organized as an introduction to the Division and to its activities, but also as a general introduction to the field of History of Science. The IUHPS is one of 26 scientific unions belonging to the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU). As the world's leading non-governmental organization in the field of science, ICSU promotes congresses, publications, and other initiatives designed to facilitate international exchanges and understanding. The IUHPS joined the ICSU family in 1947, and the history of science congresses that have taken place since that date have been held under the ICSU umbrella."