Hanselka has headed KIT since 2013 and during this time has led it back into the ranks of universities of excellence as a research university in the Helmholtz Association as well as promoting the unity of the institution. He wants to use his experience to position the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft internationally and to develop a modern mission statement. Now Hanselka is set to become the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's 11th president.
"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 most challenging in German science," Hanselka said. He sees the international positioning and the development of a modern mission statement for Fraunhofer as the central tasks for the future. Hanselka: "We live in a time of massive global change and challenges. Research with a clear profile must also become more demand-oriented and global."