Institut Polytechnique de Paris announces the appointment of Robbert Dijkgraaf, former minister and world-renowned physicist, as Chair of its International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB)
Palaiseau, January 6, 2026 – Institut Polytechnique de Paris is pleased to announce the appointment of Robbert Dijkgraaf as the new Chair of its International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB). A distinguished mathematical physicist and internationally recognized academic leader, Mr. Dijkgraaf succeeds Patrick Aebischer, former President of EPFL (Switzerland).
Institut Polytechnique de Paris wishes to express its deep gratitude to Patrick Aebischer for his driving role. His commitment helped place excellence and international openness at the heart of the project from its very first years.
This appointment is part of the momentum launched in July 2024 through a new governance framework, designed to support the development of IP Paris and reinforce its ambition to become a world-class institute of science and technology.
A standout figure for a world-class ambition
Former Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands, Robbert Dijkgraaf brings to the ISAB a rare combination of cutting-edge research expertise and high-level public governance experience. Currently Distinguished Professor at the University of Amsterdam and President-elect of the International Science Council (ISC), he led the prestigious Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) in Princeton for ten years.
His work on string theory and black holes, as well as his experience leading the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, make him a prominent figure in the global scientific community. Honored with the Spinoza Prize and the title of Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion, he is also recognized for his communication skills and his ability to bring the voice of science to the public sphere.
A world-class international board
Chaired by Robbert Dijkgraaf, the ISAB is composed of 15 experts from leading institutions around the world, including:
- Yasuhiko Arakawa, Tokyo University, Japan
- Maria José Calderón, CSIC Madrid, Spain
- Matthew Richard Coop, University College London, UK
- Bruce Kogut, Columbia University, USA
- Yamuna Krishnan, University of Chicago, USA
- Laura de Lorenzis, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Tova Milo, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- Boris Murmann, University of Hawaii, USA
- Stefan Müller, Bonn University, Germany
- Seeram Ramakrishna, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Roberta Ramponi, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
- Bernard Salanié, Columbia University, USA
- Sonia Seneviratne, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
- Carlo Sirtori, École normale supérieure, France
“We have high expectations for the ISAB’s work to open new avenues of reflection and test the robustness of our scientific strategy. I am delighted to welcome Robbert Dijkgraaf, whose world-renowned expertise will be a major asset to the Institute. On behalf of the directors of the member schools, I would like to sincerely thank Patrick Aebischer: as the first Chair of the ISAB, his commitment and vision were decisive in laying the foundations of our Institute and supporting its early development.” – Thierry Coulhon, President of Institut Polytechnique de Paris.
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About Institut Polytechnique de Paris
www.ip-paris.fr
Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris) is a public higher education and research institution that brings together six leading French engineering schools: École polytechnique, ENSTA, École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC), ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis. Together, these schools combine their expertise to offer excellent training and conduct top-level research.Thanks to this unique academic and scientific base, IP Paris is establishing itself as a major player in science and technology in France and internationally.
About ISAB
The International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB) is the international scientific advisory committee of Institut Polytechnique de Paris. It is composed of external experts appointed for a renewable four-year term. The ISAB advises the Board of Directors, the Executive Board, and the Academic Council on strategic directions and the full range of the Institute’s missions.
Media contact: Christine Lascombe – mailto:presse@ip-paris.fr – +33 6 26 36 76 17