With a Ph.D. in history of science and technology from the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), Paris, France, Dr Robert-Hauglustaine is currently Deputy Director of the Jardin des Sciences of the University of Strasbourg in France and Vice-President of European Science Event Association (Eusea). She worked for nearly 10 years at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris, France, notably as the Director of the Exhibitions and Publications Department from 2000 to 2007 and as Editor-in-Chief of the museum’s magazine from 2001 to 2008. Her longtime dedication to ICOM and to the international museum community goes back 15 years when she served as an ex-officio member on the Executive Board of ICOM’s National Committee in France. During her term as board member (2007-2010), then chairperson (2010-2013) of ICOM’s International Committee for Exhibition Exchange (ICEE), Dr Robert-Hauglustaine was involved in various international exhibition projects. She is currently an Associate Professor at the University Paris 1 – Sorbonne.

Dr Robert-Hauglustaine’s appointment was approved at the 127th session of the Executive Council meeting, held on 12 December in Paris, France. She will take up her function officially on 1 May, 2014. Prior to this period, she will work with Ms Hanna Pennock, the Acting Director General, to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining close relations with ICOM’s partners.

Elected as ICOM Treasurer during ICOM’s 23rd General Conference and 28th General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August 2013, Dr Robert-Hauglustaine will step down from this position on 30 April, 2014. The Executive Council, in its next meeting on 4-5 April, will decide upon a new Treasurer, in accordance with the ICOM Statutes.

“The modernisation of ICOM’s bodies, the reorganisation of the General Secretariat are perfectly in line with the strategy supported by our elected members”, commented Dr Robert-Hauglustaine. “The management of human and financial resources at the General Secretariat and the implementation of ICOM’s 2014-2016 strategic plan shall be priority areas for my work as Director General over the next three years.”