Joachim von Braun remains president of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences

Photo: Volker Lannert/Uni Bonn

Pope Francis appoints Bonn-based agricultural scientist for another four years

Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun, director at the Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn, was appointed president of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in 2017 for a four-year term. Now Pope Francis has appointed him for another four years.

The Pontifical Academy of Sciences has been founded in 1603 and was transformed into a modern, independent academy by Pius XI in 1936. Its purpose is to promote progress in the natural sciences and the study of related epistemological problems. The Academy is under the authority of the reigning Pope, but is non-denominational. Prof. von Braun, who has been a member of the academy since 2012, is an Evangelical Lutheran.

The Academy holds conferences on new research as well as current issues such as the coronavirus, climate change, and world food and informs the pope of its findings. Headquartered in the heart of the Vatican Gardens, in the Casino di Pio IV, the Academy's members have included and continue to include the most distinguished scientists of the 20th century, including many Nobel Prize winners.

Joachim von Braun is Director at the Center for Development Research (Zentrum für Entwicklungsforschung, ZEF) and Professor of Economic and Technological Change at the University of Bonn. His scientific work focuses on economic development, agriculture, nutrition, poverty, sustainability and innovation. The 70-year-old is also chair of the UN Secretary-General's Scientific Advisory Group for the 2021 World Food Summit and vice president of Welthungerhilfe.

A Press Release by the University of Bonn