Leadership Transition at ICS: Prof. Robbert Dijkgraaf Succeeds Sir Peter Gluckman as President

The mathematical physicist and former Dutch minister sets three priorities for his presidency of the International Council for Science: keeping science global, mobilizing science for global challenges, and preparing science for its own future.

The International Council for Science (ICS) announces that Prof. Robbert Dijkgraaf, mathematical physicist and former Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands, takes over as President of the ICS today, succeeding… Sir Peter Gluckman.

Prof. Dijkgraaf takes over as ISC Fellow, Fellows and partners gather in Beijing for the Beijing Scientific Dialogue and the ISC Mid-Term 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 session of the Beijing Science Dialogue, Prof. Dijkgraaf called for science to be officially recognized as a global public good and treated as “part of the collective heritage of humanity and a common good to which all can contribute and from which all can benefit.”

Science is one of the few unifying forces in a fragmented world. Our collaborations build trust across borders and political divides, often over decades rather than election 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.

Robbert Dijkgraaf

ISC President, physicist and former Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands

Robbert Dijkgraaf

His presidency comes at a time when geopolitical tensions threaten to fragment the global scientific community. Building on the ISC’s mission to promote 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 post-2030 development agenda; and preparing science for its own future, as AI, changing research practices, and evolving societal expectations require a renewed focus on fundamental and curiosity-driven research, scientific integrity, public trust, and the next generation of scientists.

The International Council for Science has a unique opportunity not only to speak on behalf of science, but also to help the global scientific community organize 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 fulfill its promise.

• Professor Robbert Dijkgraaf, President of the International Science Council.

Prof. Dijkgraaf was elected in December 2024 and has served as President-elect of the ISC since the third ISC General Assembly in Muscat, Oman, in January 2025.

Prof. Dijkgraaf takes up his position at a time when the case for international scientific cooperation has never been more important or more contested. His experience in research, scientific advice and governance 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 contact 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 policy and consultancy. He was the Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands (2022-2024) and is currently a distinguished professor at the University of Amsterdam.

Dijkgraaf has a long experience in policy and scientific advice, having been President of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2008–2012) and Co-Chair of the InterAcademic Council (IAC), as well as Co-Chair of the InterAcademic 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 led one of the world’s leading centers of 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 Arts, and is an ISC Fellow.

Source: https://ro.council.science/news/robbert-dijkgraaf-isc-president/