Bettina Rockenbach elected President of the Leopoldina

The economist from the University of Cologne and senior research fellow of the institute will be the first woman to head the German National Academy of Sciences. During her term of office, she will strive to increase the impact of academic discussions on policy and society and enhance cooperation with national and international partners.

Professor Dr Bettina Rockenbach has been elected as the new President of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. The Leopoldina Senate elected the economist from the University of Cologne today in a secret ballot. Rockenbach will take over from Professor Dr Gerald Haug on 1 March 2025. The palaeoclimatologist has directed the Academy since 2020 and is stepping down after one term of office. Rockenbach will be the 28th Leopoldina President. She is the first woman to head the Academy. The handing-over ceremony will take place on Friday, 21 February 2025 in Halle (Saale).