ISDC Secretariat

As 2025 draws to a close, it has almost become a tradition for the Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC) Secretariat to reflect on what marked the year. For ISDC, 2025 was a year of deep engagement—fresh perspectives from new members and reflection from those leaving the Council—all coupled with strengthened support to CGIAR’s mission of delivering high-quality and -impact science.

CGIAR is a vast and complex organization and understanding its different bodies can sometimes feel overwhelming. The Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC) plays a crucial role within this system as an independent science advisory body. Comprising of eight diverse experts, ISDC provides strategic advice to the System Council, the funders and country representatives of CGIAR. ISDC is also one of three functions supported by the Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES).

In a few weeks, ISDC and invited speakers will hit the road and travel to Nairobi, Kenya to hold its annual Science Forum as a side event during CGIAR’s first Science Week from 1-5 July. Since 2021, ISDC has focused on inclusive innovation and what that means to CGIAR. The work started with a brief that led to a literature review, which inspired a Science Forum series on inclusive innovation and a special issue in Agricultural Systems.