European Science Foundation Appoints Dr. Angelika Kalt as New President

Jul 15, 2026

European Science Foundation Appoints Dr. Angelika Kalt as New President

15 July 2026

Strasbourg, France - The General Assembly of the European Science Foundation (ESF) has appointed Dr. Angelika Kalt as its next President, succeeding Professor Véronique Halloin after two terms in office (July 2020 – July 2026). Dr. Kalt took office on Thursday, 2 July 2026, following an independent selection process led by a three-member Search Committee and unanimously endorsed by the ESF Executive Board.

A Strong Legacy Under Professor Véronique Halloin

Under Professor Halloin, Secretary General of the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS, Belgium), ESF's budget more than tripled from €4.4 million to €15 million and its staff grew from 32 to 53. Her tenure also included ESF's 50th anniversary in June 2024 and the adoption of the ESF Strategy 2023–2028, cementing the organisation's role as a premier independent partner for research evaluation, programme management, and scientific cooperation.

Reflecting on her tenure, Professor Halloin said:

"It has been an honour to serve as President of the European Science Foundation over the past six years. Together with our members, partners, and dedicated team, we have significantly strengthened ESF's role in the European research ecosystem. I am confident that under Dr. Kalt's leadership, ESF will continue to innovate and expand its impact in support of excellent science."

Incoming President: Dr. Angelika Kalt

Dr. Kalt was a professor of petrology and geodynamics before joining the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) in 2008 as Deputy Director, becoming Director in 2016, a role she held until 2025. There, she led major institutional developments, including strengthened evaluation processes and modernised funding schemes, while overseeing support for thousands of research projects.

Commenting on her appointment, Dr. Kalt said:

"I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the presidency of ESF at such a dynamic time for science in Europe. Building on the strong foundations established in recent years, I look forward to working with ESF team and members to further develop its role as a trusted partner in research. Together, we will explore new opportunities, including those offered by artificial intelligence, while strengthening collaboration across the European scientific landscape."

Looking Ahead

With the support of the ESF senior leadership team, Dr. Kalt will lead the organisation through strategic opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. A key priority will be adapting ESF's activities to the rapidly evolving European research landscape, including exploring how emerging tools and technologies can further strengthen ESF's role as a facilitator and enabler of research.

Alongside this, ESF will focus on strengthening and expanding its membership base and partnerships across the European and international research ecosystem. Looking further ahead, Dr. Kalt will guide the development of the next ESF Strategy for 2029–2034, building on the foundations established in recent years while positioning the organisation to meet future scientific and societal challenges.

About the European Science Foundation

Since 1974, ESF (European Science Foundation) has been a non-profit, non-governmental organisation committed to advancing high-quality research across Europe and beyond. With a strong track record across all research disciplines, ESF offers expert, independent management and support throughout the entire research lifecycle, from conception and implementation to evaluation, sustainability, and impact.

Backed by a dynamic, highly qualified international team, ESF is a key partner for research endeavours, ensuring scientific networks and organisations have the resources they need to focus on impactful research and collaboration.