Research / 17.01.2025
Heike Graßmann new State Secretary in Saxony

The Max Delbrück Center congratulates Professor Heike Graßmann, who has served as Administrative Director of the research center since 2018, on her appointment as State Secretary for Science, Culture, and Tourism in Saxony. Graßmann will assume her new role in Dresden on February 1, 2025.

Today, Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) announced the appointment of Professor Heike Graßmann, previously the Administrative Director of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association in Berlin, as the new State Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Culture, and Tourism. In her new role, Graßmann will work closely with State Minister Sebastian Gemkow.

“The scientific landscape in Saxony is outstanding. Our researchers and the diverse institutions in Saxony have an excellent international reputation. I am very much looking forward to helping shape science policy and further developing Saxony as a hub of excellence. I am eager to bring my extensive experience to this new role,” said Graßmann.

“I warmly congratulate my colleague Heike Graßmann and wish her every success in her new position. Heike is an excellent manager and a highly respected expert in the German scientific landscape,” said Professor Maike Sander, Scientific Director of the Max Delbrück Center. “I deeply appreciate her outstanding contributions to the Max Delbrück Center and our excellent collaboration. As Administrative Director, she has positioned our research center’s administration to meet future challenges effectively. Her efforts to advance digitalization, strengthen cooperation between science and administration, foster community spirit, and enhance diversity have left a lasting impact. She also played a pivotal role in strengthening the Max Delbrück Center’s network in Berlin.”

About Heike Graßmann

Born in Thuringia, Graßmann (53) is an accomplished science manager with an impressive career. Since October 2018, she has served as Administrative Director of the Max Delbrück Center, overseeing areas such as finance, human resources, legal affairs, and infrastructure. She has also driven initiatives in internationalization, digitalization of administration, and diversity and cultural topics.

Before joining the Max Delbrück Center, Graßmann, who holds a PhD in business administration, served as Administrative Managing Director of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig for many years. Since 2022, she has been a member of the University Council at Leipzig University and holds an honorary professorship at the State Academy for Studies in Leipzig, part of the University of Cooperative Education Saxony.

Graßmann has long been committed to talent management, gender equality, and diversity at the Max Delbrück Center and beyond. She mentors young women in various programs and served as treasurer for BR50, the Berlin Association of Non-University Research Institutes, where she helped establish a network for administrative leaders in Berlin. She currently chairs the organizing committee for the Long Night of Sciences in Berlin.

Graßmann studied business administration at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, where she also worked as a research associate. Before joining the UFZ, she served as personal assistant to the Executive Board at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research and the Chancellor at Leipzig University. From 2012 to 2018, she led the finance department at the UFZ before becoming its Administrative Managing Director.

Source: Press Release Max Delbrück Center
Heike Graßmann new State Secretary in Saxony