History

CSRS has developed institutionally through three major stages:

Between 1951 and 2001, CSRS operated under the oversight of the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences (SCNAT). Administration was handled by the CSRS Commission within the Academy, while an on-site Director was responsible for both administrative and scientific management.

Between 2001 and 2007, CSRS obtained its headquarters agreement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2001 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in August 2001. The Academy remained the supervisory body, while the role of the Ivorian ministry responsible for scientific research became increasingly prominent. The CSRS Commission continued to administer the Centre and was joined in 2001 by a Scientific Council made up of leading figures in Côte d’Ivoire to support the Director in scientific management. In July 2004, an African researcher became the twentieth Director of CSRS and the first non-Swiss person to hold the position. This change reflected the evolving academic and scientific environment in Africa. Despite the crisis that began in Côte d’Ivoire in September 2002, the Commission continued this institutional transition. In 2006, CSRS played a central role in the signing of a historic scientific-cooperation agreement between Switzerland and Côte d’Ivoire.

From 2007 onwards, new organizational regulations signed on 15 June 2007 formally established joint oversight by the Swiss and Ivorian governments. The regulations created a Founders’ Council and a Board of Directors with representatives from Switzerland, Côte d’Ivoire and West Africa. They confirmed the Scientific Council and established a General Directorate and a Management Committee. A new organization chart was adopted and positions were filled in January 2008. On 15 June 2007, CSRS also signed agreements concerning the launch of the Strategic Support Programme for Scientific Research in Côte d’Ivoire, confirming its role as the programme’s implementing agency.