Welcoming Dr. Motoko Kotani to the Elsevier Foundation Board

The Elsevier Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Motoko Kotani as our newest external Board member. Dr. Kotani brings a wealth of experience in international research collaboration, science policy, and science diplomacy to our organization. This strategic addition to our Foundation Board marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to convene and spotlight changemakers to accelerate early-stage interventions for systemic change in research and health equity.  

Dr. Kotani is currently the Executive Vice President for International Research Strategy at Tohoku University. Her journey in academia is marked by a series of notable achievements and leadership roles. She previously served as the Executive Vice President for Research at Tohoku University and was the Director of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative – Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR). Her expertise spans across the realms of mathematics and materials science, with a specific interest in geometry and its applications. She has further been Executive Director at RIKEN, and currently also serves as a Member, Board of Governors, OIST – Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology School Corporation.

In addition to her academic roles, she brings in a wealth of experience in science policy and science diplomacy. Dr. Kotani was recently appointed to the 10-member United Nations Working Group tasked with advising the UN’s Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). This group brings together high-level experts from civil society, the private sector, and the scientific community provides ideas, recommendations, and scientific and technological advice to support the development and operations of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism. This mechanism, established in 2015, plays a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the UN. She has further served as Executive Member of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI) of the Cabinet Office of Japan.

Dr. Kotani’s recent appointment as a science and technology co-advisor to the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2022 further exemplifies her standing in the international science policy and and science diplomatic community. Her leadership has been instrumental in various capacities, including her tenure as Vice President of the International Science Council and her significant involvement with the Mathematical Society of Japan, where she served as the first woman president from 2015 to 2017.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Motoko Kotani to the Elsevier Foundation Board. Her extensive experience in international policy and passion for interdisciplinary research will be invaluable as we continue to support innovative projects that address global challenges and promote equity in research. We are confident that her unique insights and leadership will help drive our mission forward, fostering a sustainable and inclusive future for all.