IASC is governed by a Council consisting of one delegate appointed by each of the 19 national member organizations. These organizations are scientific bodies covering all fields of Arctic research. Each organization has its own mechanism for ongoing contact between the IASC Council and its Arctic science community.
The Council sets priorities and guides the work of the organization. The main work of IASC is carried out through its working groups and action groups using the scientific tools at its disposal. The Council and Working Groups are supported by the Secretariat.
The organizational structure is reflected in the chart below. IASC draws on this structure to identify scientific priorities, open up opportunities for international science planning, promote free access to Arctic areas and provide for the freedom and ethical conduct of science.