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Robbert Dijkgraaf, renowned mathematical physicist, named President-Elect of the International Science Council 

Robbert Dijkgraaf, former Dutch Minister and renowned scientist, assumes office as President-Elect of the International Science Council.

Muscat, Oman – The International Science Council (ISC) is honoured to announce that Robbert Dijkgraaf, Former Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands and a distinguished scientist, assumes office as President-Elect of the ISC, following his election last month. 

Prof. Dijkgraaf takes office at the conclusion of the Third ISC General Assembly, the premier occasion for ISC Members and partners from all domains of science and regions of the world to meet for cross-disciplinary, strategic discussions on challenges and priorities for international cooperation in science. 

His presidency builds on the ISC’s longstanding mission to advance science as a global public good, strengthening its efforts to unite science to address pressing global challenges and implement the priorities outlined in the newly adopted Strategic Plan 2025–2028. 

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,” said Prof. Dijkgraaf. 

Robbert Dijkgraaf’s appointment as President-Elect is 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,’ said Sir Peter Gluckman, current ISC President. 

Prof. Dijkgraaf will succeed Sir Peter Gluckman as the new ISC President in October 2026. 

About Robbert Dijkgraaf 

Robbert Dijkgraaf is a distinguished mathematical physicist and political leader who has made significant contributions to international science advice and policy. He recently served as Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands (2022–2024). 

Dijkgraaf has a long track record in science policy and advice, as president of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2008-2012), Chief Science Advisor to the Dutch government. He was co-chair of the InterAcademy Council (IAC), serving from 2009 to 2017 and co-president of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) from 2014 to 2017. 

As director and Leon Levy Professor of the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) in Princeton, New Jersey (2012-2022), he stewarded one of the world’s foremost centres for theoretical research and intellectual inquiry. 

Dijkgraaf is a (foreign) member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Academia Europaea, they Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, and the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts, and is an ISC Fellow. 


Contact 

Zhenya Tsoy 
Acting Head of Communications 
International Science Council 

[email protected] 
+33617714991 

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