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. From launching new learning tools to shaping CGIAR’s research Portfolio, ISDC’s work this year reflected both continuity and evolution.
A Learning Leap: ISDC 101 Goes Live
This year saw the launch of ISDC 101, a free and interactive online learning tool designed to explain the why, who and what of ISDC’s role within CGIAR. Created to support stakeholders, researchers, and newcomers to the CGIAR system, ISDC 101 made the Council’s work more transparent and accessible than ever before. Conceived as a live tool, ISDC 101 will be updated regularly to reflect the evolving work of ISDC within the integrated partnership.
Strengthening the CGIAR 2025–2030 Science and Innovation Portfolio
A major focus in 2025 was ISDC’s review of CGIAR’s Inception Reports of the 2025–2030 Science and Innovation Portfolio. The review assessed whether the research environment is well positioned to deliver rigorous science and meaningful, global development impact. It also evaluated how effectively previously identified gaps (late 2024) were addressed by mid-2025. The review process was captured in this blog. In a year of challenges faced by CGIAR’s operating environment, ISDC also collated its tools developed from 2020 to aid ongoing and future prioritization efforts.
Leadership Transitions: Welcoming a New Chair
ISDC celebrated a major milestone as Lesley Torrance stepped into the role of Chair, taking over from Holger Meinke, who completed six years of dedicated leadership and shared his reflections in a blog. The Council also saw membership changes, with new members joining and others concluding their service after making valuable contributions to ISDC’s work. Next year, we will continue the transition, welcoming two new members that will complete the Council turnover in this business cycle.
ISDC on the Move
ISDC held two in-person meetings in 2025:
- Edinburgh (July): A mid-year gathering focused on finalizing the review of the CGIAR 2025-2030 Portfolio Inception Reports, and to onboard the new ISDC members. ISDC also visited the James Hutton Institute where the new ISDC Chair Lesley Torrance is an Honorary Fellow.
- Abu Dhabi (December): The meeting took place after the System Council 23 meeting to enhance interaction with ISDC stakeholders, optimize resources and discuss outcomes. It was a great opportunity to discuss the 2026 workplan with the new ISDC Chair and Members
ISDC’s Chair, Vice Chair, and several members were also active contributors at CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi, presenting insights and engaging with global stakeholders. The Chair also engaged regularly with the Integrated Partnership Board (IPB) and attended the Global Assembly of Centers (GAC) for the first time.
Looking Ahead
With new members, new tools, and a strengthened partnership with our stakeholders and CGIAR researchers, the Council enters 2026 ready to continue championing scientific excellence in research for development.
With best holiday wishes from the Secretariat to the Council and all our readers, don’t forget to:
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