Helmholtz Association unanimously elects Sabine Helling-Moegen as new Managing Director

In a special session of its General Assembly, Sabine Helling-Moegen was unanimously elected as the new Managing Director of the Helmholtz Association. She will take office on November 1, 2025, simultaneously with the designated President Martin Keller in Berlin.

Helling-Moegen succeeds Franziska Broer, who led the Association from 2016 until May 2025 and has since moved on to become Commercial Director at the University Medical Center Freiburg. In the interim, Effrosyni Chelioti held the role on a temporary basis before moving to the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space.

As Managing Director, Helling-Moegen will lead the Association’s offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Tel Aviv, and Beijing. She will advise and support the President in carrying out his duties and represent the Association both internally and externally. This role also makes her a member of the Presidium alongside the President and Vice Presidents.

Following her election, Helling-Moegen emphasized: “Excellent science requires excellent framework conditions – this is a central idea for me. Excellence does not only emerge in the laboratory but also through processes, structures, and the right conditions.”

Helmholtz President Otmar D. Wiestler expressed his confidence: “With Sabine Helling-Moegen, we have gained an outstanding science manager. She brings the ideal profile to meet the challenges ahead.”

Designated President Martin Keller added: “I am looking forward to shaping the future of Helmholtz together with her from November onwards.”

The PhD lawyer has a long-standing career in science management. Her professional path has included the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Helmholtz Association’s Head Office, the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), and the MLP AG. Beyond leadership in finance, HR, and administration, she also oversaw the creation of the Helmholtz Academy for Leadership.

With her experience and strong network in science, politics, and administration, Sabine Helling-Moegen is exceptionally well positioned to lead the Helmholtz Association into the future.