Francesco Profumo (Savona, 3 maggio 1953) è un accademico e politico italiano, ex presidente del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche. Ministro dell'istruzione, dell'università e della ricerca del Governo Monti dal 16 novembre 2011 al 28 aprile 2013. Già presidente di Iren SpA (2013-2016), dal 2014 è Presidente della Fondazione Bruno Kessler e dal 2016 presiede la Compagnia di San Paolo. Dal 14 luglio 2014 è Presidente della business school ESCP Europe presso il campus di Torino. Dal 2016 è presidente della Compagnia di San Paolo.

Francesco Profumo (born 3 May 1953) is an Italian engineer and academic who was Italy's Minister of Education from 16 November 2011 to 28 April 2013. He has been President of the National Research Council (CNR) since August 2011 and had previously served as Chancellor of the Politecnico di Torino from 2005 to 2011. Profumo started his professional career in research and development at Ansaldo in Genova in 1978 and served there until 1984. In 1985, he moved to Torino as a researcher and associate professor at the local Politecnico. In 2003, he was named dean of the 1st engineering faculty of the Politecnico, and in 2005, he became rector of the university.On 13 August 2011, he succeeded Luciano Maiani as the president of the National Research Council (CNR). On 16 November 2011, Prime Minister Mario Monti appointed him Minister of Education. In 2016 he was appointed President of Compagnia di San Paolo.