Beijing, China – The International Science Council (ISC) announces that Prof. Robbert Dijkgraaf, mathematical physicist and former Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands, today assumes office as President of the ISC, succeeding Sir Peter Gluckman.
Prof. Dijkgraaf takes office as ISC Members, Fellows and partners gather in Beijing for the Beijing Science Dialogue and the ISC Midterm Members' Meeting, hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) under the theme Science in a complex world – Science for a better future.
At the opening plenary of the Beijing Science Dialogue, Prof. Dijkgraaf called for science to be formally recognized as a global public good and to be treated as "part of humanity’s collective heritage and a shared commons to which all can contribute and from which all can benefit."
"Science is one of the few converging forces in a fragmenting world. Our collaborations build trust across borders and political divides, often over decades rather than electoral cycles. At a time when multilateral cooperation is under pressure, science can help keep channels of dialogue open, build bridges, and bring countries together around shared interests."
Professor Robbert Dijkgraaf, President of the International Science Council.
His presidency comes at a time when geopolitical tensions threaten to fragment the global scientific community. Building on the ISC’s mission to advance science as a global public good, Prof. Dijkgraaf will lead the implementation of the ISC Strategy 2025-2028, guided by three priorities: keeping science global, by defending academic freedom, strengthening international collaboration and maintaining dialogue across political divides while responsibly addressing legitimate security concerns; mobilizing science for global challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to global health and emerging technologies, through stronger scientific advice and a more effective role for science in international decision-making, including the development agenda beyond 2030; and preparing science for its own future, as AI, changing research practices and evolving societal expectations call for renewed attention to fundamental and curiosity-driven research, scientific integrity, public trust and the next generation of scientists.
"The International Science Council has a unique opportunity not only to speak for science, but to help the global scientific community organize itself and act collectively. Above all, we must defend the values that make science possible: openness, freedom, integrity, and international cooperation. These are not ideological ideals, but operational requirements for science to deliver on its promise."
Prof. Dijkgraaf was elected in December 2024 and has served as ISC President-Elect since the Third ISC General Assembly in Muscat, Oman, in January 2025.
“Prof. Dijkgraaf takes office at a moment when the case for international scientific cooperation has never been more important, or more contested. His experience across research, science advice and government will be invaluable as the ISC works with its Members around the world to keep science open, global and part of the decisions that shape our future. The Secretariat and our regional focal points look forward to supporting Prof. Dijkgraaf in his new role.”
Salvatore Aricò, CEO of the International Science Council
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 served as Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands (2022-2024) and is currently Distinguished University Professor at the University of Amsterdam.
Dijkgraaf has a long track record in science policy and advice, as president of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2008–2012) and co-chair of the InterAcademy Council (IAC), 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 Fellow of the Royal Society, a foreign member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Academia Europaea, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, and the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts and is an ISC Fellow.