Professor Jeremie Zoueu takes the helm at the CSRS and promises “science that is more useful, more impactful and more transformative”

The Centre for the Study of Religious and Social Sciences (Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, CSRS) is embarking on a new chapter in its history. During a handover ceremony held on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at its headquarters in Adiopodoumé, in the municipality of Yopougon, Professor Inza Koné officially handed over the reins of this prestigious institution to Professor Jérémie Zoueu, in the presence of the Swiss Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, representatives of the Ivorian authorities – including the Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research – and numerous partners.

Selected following a call for applications which attracted eleven candidates, Professor Jérémie Zoueu becomes the second Ivorian and the fourth African to head the CSRS, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. He succeeds Professor Inza Koné, the first Ivorian to have held this post, following two four-year terms during which his achievements were unanimously praised by the Board of Directors.

Members of the Board of Directors

On stepping down from his post, Professor Inza Koné took stock of a period of leadership characterised by resilience and modernisation. “I am stepping down from this role with gratitude, pride and confidence. Leaders come and go, but the mission remains: to produce research of the highest standard, to train the talents of tomorrow and to contribute to the sustainable development of our societies,” he said.

Under his leadership, the CSRS has strengthened its regional and international influence despite the crises linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and global geopolitical upheavals. Key achievements include the construction of new laboratories, the modernisation of scientific equipment, and the strengthening of the Bringakro agricultural station and health research platforms. “I am leaving an institution committed to a path of sustainable growth,” he assured, whilst expressing his gratitude to the Swiss and Ivorian partners as well as to the centre’s staff.

Visibly moved, the new Director-General paid a heartfelt tribute to his predecessor. “Today, you take your place amongst the founders of this great institution. Your vision and leadership have strengthened its scientific excellence and enhanced its reputation. I shall continue this work with humility, but also with determination,” stated Professor Jérémie Zoueu.

Prof KONE congratulating Prof ZOUEU

Outlining the key priorities of his term of office, he promised a style of governance based on continuity and innovation. “Our ambition is clear: to make the CSRS an institution that is even more visible, more connected, more innovative and more attractive, capable of providing a strong scientific voice in the service of society,” he said. To achieve this, he intends to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen scientific infrastructure, attract more talent and diversify funding sources in order to consolidate the CSRS’s position as Africa’s leading scientific platform.

Emphasising the challenges of the 21st century, the new Director-General called for science that is geared towards the needs of the people. “Scientific research is not only aimed at producing knowledge, but above all at transforming that knowledge into solutions, innovations and sustainable impacts in the service of development,” he stressed.

Opéranews/Sébastien Lévry