The World Health Organization's Science Council acts as the voice of scientific leadership directly advising the Director-General about high-priority scientific issues, and advances in science and technology that could directly impact global health. The Science Division will facilitate the Council’s activity in setting the top WHO science, research and innovation priorities, independently from programme specifics, and focusing on areas where gaps exist.

The Science Council was established in April 2021 by the Director-General of the World Health Organization to provide guidance on the science and research strategy of the organization.

The Science Council has the following functions:

• Evaluate urgent, high priority scientific issues and provide input and guidance on translating them to public health impact in furtherance of WHO’s mission;
• Identify current and new science and technology issues that WHO needs to address, including global health threats, and new advances with a potential for direct or indirect impact on global health;
• Provide strategic orientation to WHO’s actions in science, research and innovation;
• Participate in the rapid and confidential review of WHO normative products, when requested by the Director-General; and
• Undertake other duties and functions consistent with these Terms of Reference, when requested by the Director-General

Science Council is currently comprised of 21 members, who serve in their personal capacity and represent a broad range of disciplines encompassing many aspects of science, ranging from basic research to public health implementation science.

Members are recruited and selected as acknowledged experts from around the world in the fields of basic science, translational and clinical research, social sciences, epidemiology and public health.