By Anne Levin

Robbert Dijkgraaf, Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) Director and Leon Levy Professor from 2012 to 2022, has been appointed as president-elect of the International Science Council, (ISC) it was announced on February 6. He will officially take over as ISC president in October 2026.

Dijkgraaf has made significant contributions to the understanding of string theory and black holes. He is committed to the advancement of science education. Before his term as IAS director, he was a researcher at Princeton University from 1989 to 1991, and then a member in the IAS’ School of Natural Sciences.

A renowned mathematical physicist, Dijkgraaf served as minister of education, culture and science of the Netherlands after leaving the IAS in 2022. He remained in that position until 2024, the year he was elected to the ISC governing board.

During his term in office at the ISC, “Dijkgraaf will play a vital role in the organization’s development and the fulfillment of their newly adopted Strategic Plan,” reads a release from the IAS. “While leading these efforts, Dijkgraaf will strengthen the ISC’s mission to address the most pressing challenges facing science and society today.”

The ISC was created in 2018 from the International Council of Science, founded in 1931, and the International Social Science Council, founded in 1952. The new organization, which held its first general assembly in Paris, has a global membership of 250 scientific institutions, unions, and associations.

It was founded “to be the global voice for science, and to advance science as a global public good,” reads its website. “The ISC’s founding strategy emphasizes that scientific understanding has never been more important to society, as humanity grapples with the problems of living sustainably and equitably on planet Earth.”

Commenting on his appointment, Dijkgraaf said, “It is a great honor to serve the International Science Council, the oldest and most comprehensive organization representing the worldwide scientific community. Especially in these times of geopolitical tension and global challenges, it is important that the voice of science rings clear, and that researchers continue to engage in dialogue, with each other and with society at large.”

Dijkgraaf will succeed Sir Peter Gluckman as the new ISC president. Gluckman called Dijkgraaf’s appointment “a tremendous asset to the International Science Council. His deep understanding of the global scientific landscape and proven ability to navigate the intersection of science and policy will be invaluable as the ISC continues to champion science as a force for global good. I am confident that under Robbert’s leadership, the ISC will further strengthen its voice and impact in addressing the critical challenges facing our world today.”