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WHO Renews Science Council With 21 Experts and Youth Voices

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • WHO appointed 21 experts to its Science Council on 27 August 2026.
  • The renewed Council includes two youth representatives.
  • The Science Council advises on emerging technologies and global health issues.

The World Health Organization has renewed its Science Council, bringing together experts from various fields to advise on scientific priorities and innovations that impact global health.

The Science Council, first established in April 2021, is part of WHO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its ability to provide independent scientific advice. The Council supports the Director-General by offering guidance on scientific opportunities, challenges, and strategic foresight.

On 27 August 2026, WHO announced the appointment of 21 new members to the Science Council. The group represents a range of disciplines and regions, with the inclusion of two youth representatives selected through the WHO Youth Council to provide younger perspectives.

The renewed Council will focus on advising WHO about high-priority scientific issues, including developments in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, gene editing, synthetic biology, and robotics. According to WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, scientific discovery is advancing rapidly in these areas.

What the numbers show

  • 21 experts were appointed to the Science Council in August 2026.
  • The Science Council was originally established in April 2021.
  • Two youth representatives are included in the renewed Council.

The Science Council’s role includes supporting WHO’s strategic planning by helping anticipate scientific advances that could affect health policy. The Council also provides advice to the Director-General on both opportunities and challenges in science and technology.

WHO’s Science Division, which was created in 2019, works alongside the Council to help Member States apply new scientific developments. This includes translating advances in genomics, gene editing, artificial intelligence, and big data into health policy and guidance.

The inclusion of youth representatives aims to ensure that the perspectives of younger generations are considered in discussions about scientific developments that affect global health. These representatives were chosen through the WHO Youth Council process.

By renewing the Science Council and continuing the work of the Science Division, WHO seeks to maintain its capacity to address emerging technologies and scientific breakthroughs that have the potential to transform health outcomes worldwide.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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