FAQ as first approved in the ICSP-EB meeting on 27th October 2022, with minor changes made in subsequent e-mails and some minor formal modifications for the purpose of generating a PDF. Next version approved in the ICSP-EB meeting on 30th March 2023. Minor additions made afterwards. New section “Does the inclusion of a name in a Validation or Notification List mean that this is the name to be used for a taxon?” included in version 0.15.0. Minor additions made afterwards. Explanation of the introduction of pro-validly published names and thus the formal regulation of Candidatus names added in version 0.17.0. Version 1.0.0 provides the update to the 2025 revision of the ICSP Statutes. Version 1.1.0 provides the update to the 2025 revision of the ICNP. Version 1.2.0 adds more information on the meaning of taxon names above genus rank.

Here we have compiled answers to questions about the activities of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP). Please visit the pages of the ICSP website for information on specific topics and please check the “ICSP matters” section of the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (IJSEM) to remain up-to-date regarding the activities of the committee. You can also follow us on LinkedIn.