The Science Council – A Conversation with Prof. Dr. Christine Falk, Director of the MHH Institute for Transplant Immunology
Prof. Dr. Christine Falk in conversation. Copyright: Karin Kaiser/MHH
Ms Professor Falk, what makes the science council so special?
The Science Council is the central advisory body for universities, research, and the structure of science, and is thus the heart of German science policy. It represents all fields of science as well as the ministries of science of all federal states and the federal government, thereby ensuring a broad consensus on science policy. Its evaluations, recommendations, statements, and position papers are scientifically sound and politically viable—as far as that is possible in a federal system.
Who is represented on the science council?
The Federal President appoints the members of the Science Council. It consists of 24 professors, eight public figures, and representatives from the science ministries and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space. The Secretariat is based in Cologne. As part of the Alliance of Science Organizations, the Council helps shape the development of the German science system. Its work is utilized by various federal ministries, the Joint Science Conference, and the states.
What exactly does the science council do?
It provides expert opinions on issues affecting the entire science system. On average, it addresses about 40 to 45 topics simultaneously, such as the accreditation of public and private universities, structural assessments of the university landscape in the states, and of consortia such as the German Centers for Health Research. Together with the German Research Foundation (DFG), it is responsible for developing and implementing the Strategy for Excellence. Current topics include careers in science, the systemic importance of prevention, safety aspects and AI in research and teaching, as well as the relationship between science and democracy. In my second term, I am active on the committees for medicine, research facilities, and evaluations of departmental research institutions.
What are your hopes for university medicine?
University medicine faces enormous challenges. The combination of research, teaching, and patient care makes it unique, but at the same time requires a constant balancing act between scientific, clinical, and economic considerations. I hope that these challenges will be addressed constructively in collaboration with university and hospital leadership, federal and state policymakers, and the people who work within this complex system—and that there will be greater understanding overall of the special role played by university medicine.
Thank you very much for the interview.
Federal Cross of Merit for Professor Falk
In July 2026, Professor Falk received the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon—Germany’s highest honor for outstanding service to the common good. The Federal President awards it upon nomination for outstanding achievements in politics, business, society, culture, or science. The ceremonial presentation by Hanover’s Mayor Belit Onay took place at the New City Hall. The award recognizes Professor Falk’s research achievements in immunology as well as her commitment to the German Science Council, the German Research Foundation (DFG), the German Society for Immunology, the German Cancer Aid Foundation, the Volkswagen Foundation, and humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine—such as the Kyiv Heart Institute and “Eco Mercy Sosnivka.”
Text and questions: Bettina Bandel