Heike Graßmann new State Secretary in Saxony
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.
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.
“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,” said Professor Maike Sander, Scientific Director of the Max Delbrück Center. “Heike is an excellent administrator and a highly respected expert in the German scientific community. We have enjoyed an exceptional collaboration, and I deeply value her contributions to the Max Delbrück Center. As Administrative Director, she has successfully positioned the organization to navigate future challenges with strength and resilience. She significantly advanced digitalization and placed a strong emphasis on enhancing collaboration between science and administration. Her efforts have cultivated a sense of community, enriched our commitment to diversity, and will leave an enduring legacy. Additionally, she has been instrumental in strengthening the Max Delbrück Center’s connections within Berlin’s vibrant scientific network.”
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.
Heike Graßmann together with the Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer (right) and the Saxony's State Minister for Science Sebastian Gemkow (left).
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.
Photos for download
Heike Graßmann. Photo: David Ausserhofer, Max Delbrück Center
Contact
Jutta Kramm
Head of Communications
Max Delbrück Center
+49 30 9406-2140
jutta.kramm@mdc-berlin.de or presse@mdc-berlin.de
- Max Delbrück Center
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The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (Max Delbrück Center) is one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions. Max Delbrück, a Berlin native, was a Nobel laureate and one of the founders of molecular biology. At the locations in Berlin-Buch and Mitte, researchers from some 70 countries study human biology – investigating the foundations of life from its most elementary building blocks to systems-wide mechanisms. By understanding what regulates or disrupts the dynamic equilibrium of a cell, an organ, or the entire body, we can prevent diseases, diagnose them earlier, and stop their progression with tailored therapies. Patients should be able to benefit as soon as possible from basic research discoveries. This is why the Max Delbrück Center supports spin-off creation and participates in collaborative networks. It works in close partnership with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in the jointly-run Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK). Founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center today employs 1,800 people and is 90 percent funded by the German federal government and 10 percent by the State of Berlin.
