Professor John Newton Appointed Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of Santé publique France

cp_nomination_president_CS_20260605.pdf

Published on 5 June 2026

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The governance of Santé publique France is based on the founding principles of scientific excellence, openness, dialogue and ethics, collective expertise, and transparency. Three advisory bodies contribute to this governance: the Scientific Council, the Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee, and the Steering and Dialogue Committee. Responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of the agency’s scientific policy, the Scientific Council (SC) is composed of 27 members appointed by the Board of Directors of Santé publique France. Professor John Newton has been appointed Chair of the Scientific Council for the 2026–2029 term by order of the Minister of Health and upon the recommendation of the agency’s Director General, following consultation with the Scientific Council.

A multidisciplinary team supporting Santé publique France’s scientific strategy

The members of the Scientific Council all have internationally recognized expertise in public health (surveillance, prevention, and health promotion; preparedness and response to health crises), the humanities and social sciences (sociology, health economics, public policy, and health management), ecology, and global health.

Through its composition, the Scientific Council provides its perspective on the major public health challenges the agency must address in a constantly evolving European and global context.

To view the list of Scientific Council members and their profiles, click here.

The Scientific Council: Essential Support for the Achievement of Santé publique France’s Missions

Much more than an advisory body, Santé publique France’s Scientific Council is an indispensable partner in our mission. Thanks to its multidisciplinary expertise, it evaluates the agency’s scientific strategy and brings a forward-looking and international perspective to our work. Its commitment to public health strengthens our ability to anticipate, innovate, and protect everyone’s health.
Thank you to Professor John Newton for his renewed commitment as Chair of the Scientific Council.
Caroline Semaille, Director General of Santé publique France

Through its work, opinions, and recommendations, the Scientific Council helps shape the scientific strategy of Santé publique France. It supports the agency in developing and implementing national and European public health policies.

The Scientific Council’s mission is to provide advice on the agency’s research, expertise, and study priorities, as well as on its scientific partnership and programming policies:

Assist the agency’s management in developing procedures for calls for proposals;
Validate and oversee the evaluation process for the agency’s scientific activities, and issue recommendations to management based on the results obtained;
Provide advice on the need to establish expert committees;
Assist the agency in its mission to contribute to the development and implementation of national and European public health policies.

It may, on its own initiative, make observations and recommendations on any scientific or technical matter falling within the agency’s scope of competence.

These are forwarded to the Director General and the Chair of the Board of Directors.

It prepares an annual report on the scientific and technical aspects of the agency’s activities. This report is submitted to the Board of Directors and the Directorate General of Health.

During the previous term (2021–2025), the Scientific Council contributed to updating Santé publique France’s strategy on the prevention of alcohol-related harm; to improving its communication with the public; strengthening its work on producing health indicators regarding the burden of disease and its risk factors; and expanding its activities in the area of social and regional health inequalities.