World Health Organization Seeks Global Experts for Science Council
The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting applications from internationally renowned experts to join its Science Council, a premier advisory body that informs the WHO Director-General. As science moves faster than ever, WHO aims to strengthen its leadership in health research and innovation. Through the Chief Scientist’s Office, the Science Division sets the organization’s scientific agenda, supports the creation of health norms and standards, promotes ethical and inclusive research practices, and ensures that scientific evidence translates into practical policy and action.
“Scientific excellence is the backbone of effective public health,” stated Dr. Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist. “We are calling on the world’s top minds to help shape the future of global health with WHO, turning new knowledge into evidence-based solutions and driving innovations that improve health for all.”
The Science Council will be instrumental in directing WHO’s scientific priorities. Council members will spot breakthroughs and emerging trends, evaluate urgent scientific questions, offer strategic guidance on research and innovation, support reviews of WHO normative products, and advise on the ethical and societal implications of new scientific advances.
WHO expects to appoint 15–20 multidisciplinary experts with notable accomplishments and a track record of high-level leadership across fields such as biomedical research, emerging technologies, data science, health economics, social sciences, governance, ethics, and global health.
Members will participate in a personal capacity. Selection will weigh technical expertise, communication ability, international policy experience, and the need for regional and gender diversity, with special emphasis on representation from low- and middle-income countries. All appointees must adhere to WHO’s Code of Conduct for Experts and have no real or perceived conflicts of interest.
The Science Council is anticipated to meet at least three times annually, either in Geneva or via virtual sessions. Roles are not salaried, but WHO will cover travel and accommodation expenses in accordance with its policies.
Expressions of interest are open until 16 January 2026. Applicants should submit a cover letter (without institutional letterhead), a two-page CV, and a completed WHO Declaration of Interests form by 23:59 Geneva time on 16 January 2026. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews, and WHO may publish the names and biographies of selected experts.
For more information or any inquiries, please contact: sciencecouncil@who.int.
But here’s where it gets controversial: should international bodies rely on a relatively small Science Council to steer global health policy, potentially sidelining regional voices? And this is the part most people miss: how might conflicts of interest or competing visions between nations influence which experts are chosen and which priorities rise to the top? Share your thoughts in the comments: do you think the selection process adequately balances expertise, representation, and independence?
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