Physicist Michael Decker Appointed as New Director of German Museum
New Curator Appointed at German Museum - New leadership appointed at German museum
Physicist Michael Decker, a professor from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is set to take the helm as General Director of the Deutsches Museum in Munich, succeeding Wolfgang Heckl who has led the museum for over 21 years. Decker's tenure will commence on June 1, 2025.
In his new role, Decker will not only oversee the renowned German Museum but will also assume the Chair of Science Communication at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Culture Minister Markus Blume (CSU) praised Decker's extensive management experience and scientific qualifications, stating these are vital for a Leibniz research museum and a crowd-puller.
Decker has been heading the Information, Economy, and Society department at KIT. His appointment marks a departure from academia as he embarks on a career in museum management. Decker is also recognized for his contributions to scientific committees and organizations, including the German Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech) and the advisory board "INSIGHT - Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Societal and Technological Change" of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Established across several locations, the German Museum is one of eight Leibniz research museums. The main building in Munich is currently undergoing comprehensive renovation and modernization, with work expected to continue until 2028. Besides the main site, the museum also operates the Traffic Center on Munich’s Theresienhöhe, the Aeroengine Museum Schleiheim, and branches in Nuremberg and Bonn.
The new director’s expertise in science communication, management experience, and commitment to making science accessible are considered essential for continuing the museum's success. Decker will be inaugurated on June 2, the day after he assumes his new role, and Heckl will be bid farewell.
In his new position as General Director of the Deutsches Museum and Chair of Science Communication at the Technical University of Munich, physicist Michael Decker will leverage his extensive management experience and scientific qualifications, particularly in science communication, to further the museum's mission of making science accessible to the public, and continue its success in the coming years. His expertise in this field, coupled with his commitment to environment-focused research, will also aid in the installation of eco-friendly exhibits and initiatives across various museum locations, such as the main building in Munich and its branches in Nuremberg and Bonn.
