The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is a subsidiary body of the OPCW established in accordance with the CWC to enable the Director-General to render specialised advice in science and technology to Member States.

The SAB is made up of 25 independent experts from OPCW Member States. Each SAB member can serve a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms of office. The chair and vice-chair of the SAB are elected annually. The SAB held its first meeting in 1998 and generally meets twice per year.

The SAB can also establish Temporary Working Groups (TWGs) on specific issues. There are three TWGs operating currently:

• sampling and analysis;
• convergence of chemistry and biology;
• education and outreach.

The SAB reports to the Director-General, who then submits its reports, alongside his own response, to the EC. Every five years, the SAB prepares a larger report for submission to the review conference.