As a scientific umbrella organization, it was a founding member of the International Council for Science (ICSU).

The Union was founded in 1919 following the work of the Conference of Allied Academies of Sciences held in Brussels.

The Union was a founding member of the ICSU Scientific Committee and works closely with UNESCO.

The scientific members are invited to send one representative each to the talks and make programmatic proposals.

The General Assembly takes place in parallel to a scientific conference, organized in cooperation with the National Union Committee of the host country.