Leading researcher from Berlin appointed Head of the Department of Biology

Professor Dr. Dr. hc. Edda Klipp brings extensive leadership experience from international research environments to her new position - most recently as Managing Director of the Institute of Biology at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. 

With a background in biophysics and systems biology, Edda Klipp has built a strong academic profile. Throughout her career, she has secured substantial external funding, including grants from the European Union. She has published extensively in leading scientific journals and authored several widely used textbooks in systems biology, while also contributing significantly to teaching and the development of early-career researchers. 

In recognition of her contributions to quantitative and computational biology, she has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Gothenburg and an honorary Caroline von Humboldt Professorship.  

For Dean at the Faculty of Science, Bo Jellesmark Thorsen, who has appointed Edda Klipp, it is therefore a great pleasure to welcome her as the biologists’ new Head of Department.  

"I am delighted to welcome Edda Klipp as the new Head of the Department of Biology. She is an exceptionally good fit for the role, with her strong track record as a long-standing researcher, professor, and leader. She has experience of everything involved in being a researcher, lecturer and advisor at a very high level within the Department of Biology’s fields of study.

At the same time, Edda is a highly experienced leader who understands the many aspects and responsibilities that come with the new role she is now taking on," says Bo Jellesmark Thorsen.  

Below, Edda Klipp shares her motivation for applying for the position and outlines her main priorities as Head of Department. 

What motivated you to apply for the position? 

"I applied for the position because the Department of Biology is at an exciting inflection point. Achieving the ambitious goal of the department’s 2030 strategy, 'Better Understanding for a Healthier Planet', requires a profound integration of both molecular and ecological sciences. As a systems biologist, my entire career has been dedicated to finding connections across complex systems and at scale.

UCPH hosts some of the brightest minds in Europe across a remarkable breadth of biological disciplines. The opportunity to step in as a facilitator – to help bridge these incredible research strengths, foster international collaborations, and lead a department with such immense potential to drive both the green transition and human health – was an opportunity I simply could not pass up."

What would you like to focus on in particular as Head of Department? 

"My immediate focus will be on creating structural and cultural synergies. First, I want to create a collaborative framework that uses quantitative biology, AI, and data-driven models as a 'common language' to bridge our foundational molecular research with our macroscopic and ecological expertise. 

Second, I am aware of the administrative and financial pressures currently facing the university sector across Europe. A major priority for me will be to shield our researchers and teaching staff from unnecessary administrative burdens. By streamlining our operations and actively supporting our faculty in targeting high-value, large-scale international funding (such as EU Horizon grants), I want to ensure that our staff has the time, resources, and peace of mind to focus on their core missions: delivering world-class science, innovation and education."

What is your long-term vision for BIO? 

"My long-term vision is for BIO to be universally recognized not just as a powerhouse of fundamental biological research, but as a deeply unified institute where cross-disciplinary collaboration is the natural reflex. I want us to be the premier European destination for translating basic biology into actionable solutions for climate, biodiversity, health, and European resilience.  

Equally important to our scientific output is our internal culture. My vision is to consolidate a work environment defined by psychological safety, transparent decision-making, and strong support for early-career researchers. 

Ultimately, I want BIO to be a place where exceptional science thrives because the people driving it feel valued, supported, and connected to a shared purpose."