Programme Committee

The Programme Committee of the Global Research Council (GRC) plays a pivotal role in shaping the annual thematic focus of the GRC’s global and regional engagements. Its primary aim is to develop and recommend impactful topics for the GRC's Annual and Regional Meetings. Working closely with Annual Meeting hosts, the Committee proposes, refines, and shortlists topic suggestions from GRC participants, providing recommendations to the Governing Board. It may also advise on discussion papers, support programme development, and contribute to the selection of side events.

The Programme Committee comprises representatives from various regions of the world, from the Governing Board, Heads of Research Councils (HORCs) from GRC participating organisations, the Executive Support Group (ESG), and confirmed Annual and Regional Meeting hosts. Members are appointed by the Governing Board and serve staggered terms to ensure continuity. The Committee primarily operates virtually, with in-person meetings held when feasible.

Current members are:

  • Ahmed Alabdulkader, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Saudi Arabia
  • Gina El-Feky, Academy of Scientific Research & Technology (ASRT), Egypt
  • David Gonzalez, National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII), Uruguay
  • Emma Gretzer, Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (Formas), Sweden
  • Agus Haryono, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) / The Indonesian Research and Innovation Fund (IRIF), Indonesia
  • Lesego Motlatsi Thamae, Ministry Communications, Knowledge and Technology (MCKT), Botswana
  • Mari Sundli Tveit, Research Council of Norway (RCN), Norway
    Ex officio:
  • Alejandro Adem, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Canada
  • Katja Becker, German Research Foundation (DFG), Germany
  • Mike Bright, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), United Kingdom
  • Sompong Klaynongsruang, Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI)
  • Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa

For Terms of Reference, please contact grc@ukri.org