Congratulations to Prof. Dr. Hanna Hottenrott for being appointed by the Federal President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to the Scientific Commission of German Science and Humanities Council starting February 1, 2026.
The Scientific Commission of German Science and Humanities Council is the oldest and most influential advisory body on science policy in Germany. It advises the federal and state governments on key issues relating to science, research, and higher education development, and plays a crucial role in advancing the German science system and strengthening its international competitiveness.
Since April 2023, Prof. Dr. Hanna Hottenrott has headed the Research Department “Economics of Innovation and Industrial Dynamics” at ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research in Mannheim. She is also a Professor of the Economics of Innovation at TUM School of Management. Her research focuses on the economics of innovation and science, the drivers and consequences of technological transformation, and the design of innovation and science policy.
“The appointment to the German Science and Humanities Council is a special opportunity to actively contribute to the future viability of the German science system. I am very grateful for this chance and look forward to working with my colleagues,” explains Prof. Hottenrott.
About the Scientific Commission of German Science and Humanities Council
The Scientific Commission of German Science and Humanities Council was founded in 1957 and is regarded as Germany’s central authority on science policy. It develops recommendations on the structural and strategic orientation of science, research, and higher education institutions, and has played a decisive role for decades in shaping an internationally competitive science system. The Council is composed of distinguished scientists who combine academic excellence with expertise in science policy. Together with representatives from public life and politics, the 24 academic members formulate guidelines for research, higher education, and science policy.
