The Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques (CSRS) is embarking on a new chapter in its history. During a handover ceremony held on Tuesday, June 16, 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 of Higher Education and Scientific Research—as well as numerous partners.

Selected following a call for applications that 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 hold this position, following two four-year terms during which his achievements were unanimously praised by the Board of Directors.

Members of the Board of Directors

As he stepped down from his position, Professor Inza Koné reflected on a tenure marked by resilience and modernization. “I leave this position with gratitude, pride, and confidence. Leaders come and go, but the mission remains: to produce research of the highest quality, to train the talents of tomorrow, and to contribute to the sustainable development of our societies,” he said.

Under his leadership, the CSRS has expanded 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 modernization of scientific equipment, and the strengthening of the Bringakro agricultural station and health research platforms. “I am leaving behind an institution committed to sustainable growth,” he said, while expressing his gratitude to Swiss and Ivorian partners as well as the center’s staff.

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

Prof. KONE congratulating Prof. ZOUEU

Outlining the main points of his term, he promised a leadership style 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—one capable of providing a strong scientific voice in the service of society,” he stated. 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. 

Emphasizing the challenges of the 21st century, the new Director General called for science that is focused on 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.

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