The Wellcome Trust has appointed John-Arne Røttingen, a former medical scientist and public health official, as its new CEO.  

The world’s second largest foundation, with an endowment of $46.2 billion, said Røttingen brings inclusive leadership and an understanding of global health with his background 

He was previously appointed ambassador for global health at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Norway, in 2020. 

“John-Arne’s career and experience exemplify these beliefs. He has built a reputation as one of the world’s most effective and respected figures at the interface between science and advocacy at the highest global levels,” said Julia Gillard, Wellcome’s chair.  

Wellcome has committed to spending £16 billion on science over the decade to 2032, focusing its research spend on science-based solutions to tackle urgent health challenges, mental health, infectious disease and the health impacts of climate crisis. 

In 2021, the Wellcome Trust announced a strategy to bring its £29 billion endowment, invested in shares, hedge funds, private equity, and property, to carbon net zero by 2050. The foundation has been criticised in the past for its decision to stay invested in fossil fuels. 

Julia Gillard, the former prime minister of Australia, has centred climate action not just in the foundation’s grantmaking but applying it to all aspects of Wellcome’s work. 

It has not been all good news for the foundation in recent years. The foundation publicly recognised in June 2020 that it had perpetuated racism and acknowledged there is structural racism within Wellcome and the wider research system.  

 Shafi Musaddique is a news editor at Alliance magazine.