"For Fraunhofer, Holger Hanselka is the right person at the right time in the right office. He stands out due to his excellent reputation in research, his profound knowledge of national and international scientific systems, his many years of experience with the transformation and development of research units as well as the management of institutions. In these challenging times of constant change, I am also certain that he will lead Fraunhofer into a successful future with his insight, drive and great enthusiasm,” said Hildegard Müller, chair of the senate of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. She referred to Hanselka's many years of management experience, including at the helm of the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF in Darmstadt. "As a leader, Holger Hanselka understands how to spur people on to top performance through collaboration. It is precisely this team spirit that will lead Fraunhofer into a successful future.“

Holger Hanselka, a mechanical engineer born in Oldenburg in 1961, has headed the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) since 2013 and led this back into the ranks of universities of excellence. Among other things, he has been the director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF in Darmstadt and he was a member of the presidential council of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft from 2006 to 2012. "I am honored and delighted by the trust placed in me by the senate of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The office of Fraunhofer president is one of the most exciting and, at the same time, one of the most challenging in German research. Together with the 30,000 employees, I will do my best to expand Fraunhofer's top position among the world's leading research institutions and to strengthen Fraunhofer's profile,” said Holger Hanselka.

Discussions are currently underway between all parties with the aim of Prof. Hanselka taking up his post as soon as possible. Until then, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will be managed on an interim basis by Dr. Sandra Krey, Executive Vice President for Finance and Controlling.