WHO appoints 21 leading scientists to Science Council to help shape future health breakthroughs

The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its Science Council with new members as part of its regular process for renewing the advisory body's membership. The renewed Council brings together 21 leading scientists and experts from across disciplines, regions and generations, including specialists in public health, epidemiology, biomedical research, health systems, ageing, engineering, precision medicine and emerging technologies. The Council includes representation from all WHO regions, as well as two youth members.

"The pace of scientific discovery is accelerating at an extraordinary rate, from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to advances such as gene editing, synthetic biology and robotics, to new approaches for disease prevention, diagnosis and care," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, World Health Organization. "WHO is strengthening its ability to look ahead, identify transformative developments, and ensure that the benefits of scientific progress are translated into better health for people everywhere."

The WHO Science Council will continue to serve as WHO's principal external advisory body on high-priority scientific issues, emerging technologies and breakthrough innovations with the potential to transform health outcomes worldwide. By providing strategic, independent scientific advice and anticipating high-impact scientific advances, the Council will support WHO in identifying emerging health trends, risks and opportunities. The Council aims to help ensure that the Organization remains at the forefront of scientific advances with implications for global health in the decades ahead.

The membership reflects WHO's commitment to scientific excellence, geographic diversity, gender balance and youth inclusion. The Council's two youth representatives, identified through the WHO Youth Council, will bring youth perspectives to the discussions on scientific developments that will help shape the future of global health.

WHO established the Science Division and the Science Council as part of its Transformation initiative to strengthen its capacity to provide timely, independent and evidence-based advice to Member States in response to the unprecedented pace of scientific progress. Together, these mechanisms help ensure that WHO remains at the forefront of scientific developments and can translate emerging knowledge into public health policy and action.

Notes to editors

The WHO Science Council is an advisory body established by the WHO Director-General to provide independent advice on high-priority scientific issues, emerging technologies, and advances in science and innovation that may affect global health. The renewed Science Council comprises 21 members serving in their personal capacities. The Council advises WHO on scientific opportunities and challenges, supports strategic foresight, and contributes to strengthening trust in science and evidence-informed decision-making.

About WHO

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, WHO leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the United Nations' agency for health that connects nations, partners and people in more than 150 locations - leading the world's response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to support all countries to promote, provide and protect health. "Together for health. Stand with science", the theme of World Health Day 2026, marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being worldwide.