Société Générale Establishes Scientific Advisory Council to Guide Future Trends

Société Générale, a leading French multinational banking and financial services company, announced the formation of its Scientific Advisory Council on June 18, 2025. This council aims to provide the bank's General Management with science-based insights into emerging trends that are expected to shape the future of its business operations and strategic initiatives. Chaired by Subra Suresh, a distinguished academic known for his extensive expertise in engineering and science policy, the council comprises eight eminent members who bring a wealth of knowledge across various domains, including technology, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and international economics.

The council's primary objective is to synthesize diverse perspectives to create holistic analyses of opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Slawomir Krupa, CEO of Société Générale, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Navigating these complex dynamics requires perspective and anticipation. I am grateful to our Council Members for their insights informed by science, and I look forward to their further contributions helping us better understand and prepare for the emerging trends and strategic questions that will influence our activities in the years to come."

The composition of the council includes:

1. **Subra Suresh** - Vannevar Bush Professor Emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Professor at Large at Brown University. His previous roles include Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at MIT and President of Carnegie Mellon University. Suresh has been influential in national science policy as the former Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

2. **Gilles Duranton** - Real Estate Professor and Economist at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on urban economics, particularly land use and the impacts of transportation infrastructure on urban growth.

3. **Christina Gravert** - Associate Professor of Behavioral Economics at the University of Copenhagen. Her research employs experimental methods to identify behavioral barriers to sustainable choices, informing effective environmental policies.

4. **Yann LeCun** - Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences at New York University and Chief AI Scientist at META. He specializes in machine learning and computer vision, contributing significantly to advancements in AI.

5. **Enrico Letta** - Dean of the IE School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University, and former Prime Minister of Italy. He focuses on international and European affairs and authored the report ‘Much more than a Market’ in 2024.

6. **Corinne Le Quéré** - Royal Society Research Professor of Climate Change Science at the University of East Anglia. She researches the drivers of CO2 emissions and the interactions between climate change and the carbon cycle.

7. **Kenneth Roth** - Charles and Marie Robertson Visiting Professor at Princeton University. He led Human Rights Watch for three decades and recently published his memoir, "Righting Wrongs."

8. **Beatrice Weder di Mauro** - André Hoffmann Chair at the Geneva Graduate Institute and President of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR). Her research interests include international macroeconomics and climate finance.

This diverse assembly of experts reflects Société Générale's commitment to addressing key challenges in technology, climate, and social issues. The establishment of the council signals a proactive approach to integrating scientific insights into financial and strategic decision-making processes. As industries worldwide grapple with rapid technological advancements and pressing environmental concerns, Société Générale's initiative may serve as a model for other institutions seeking to navigate these complexities.

The broader implications of this council extend beyond the financial sector, potentially influencing public policy and environmental sustainability efforts globally. By incorporating scientific expertise into its operations, Société Générale aims to not only enhance its competitive edge but also contribute positively to society's challenges. Future developments from this advisory body will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and the public alike, as they may provide valuable insights into the evolving intersection of finance, technology, and environmental stewardship.