Dr. Angela Merkel has played a defining role in shaping modern Europe and the global political landscape with a blend of scientific precision, pragmatic leadership, and moral conviction. A trained physicist and internationally respected stateswoman, she has brought analytical depth and strategic vision to public service, guiding Germany through pivotal historical moments and reinforcing its role as a regional and global beacon of stability, progress, and international collaboration.
Born in Hamburg and raised in the former German Democratic Republic, Dr. Merkel studied physics at the University of Leipzig, earning a doctorate in quantum chemistry from the Central Institute for Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences in East Berlin. She worked as a research scientist until the reunification of Germany, when she entered public service.
Elected to the Bundestag in 1990, she held key ministerial roles before becoming the leader of the Christian Democratic Union party in 2000. In 2005, she became the first woman elected as Germany’s Chancellor, a position she held for 16 years, making her one of the longest-serving political leaders in modern European history.
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Merkel navigated Germany through economic crises, shaped the European Union’s response to global challenges, reinforced multilateral alliances, and strengthened the EU’s cohesion. A pragmatic leader and strong advocate for transatlantic ties, she played a key role in economic stabilization during the Eurozone crisis and championed forward-looking policies to address climate change, emerging as a central figure in high-stakes international negotiations.
Dr. Merkel is a steadfast supporter of Israel and a powerful advocate for Holocaust education and remembrance. Under her leadership, Germany significantly deepened its bilateral relations with Israel, expanding military aid and partnerships in defense, technology, and scientific research. In 2008, she became the first German Chancellor to address the Knesset, declaring her commitment to Israel’s security and the fight against antisemitism.
Her leadership reflects a belief in science not only as a tool for innovation but as a vehicle for peace, progress, and global solidarity. Dr. Merkel’s contributions have been recognized worldwide, including with the 2014 Israeli Presidential Medal of Distinction―the country’s highest civilian honor. She is also the recipient of the Charlemagne Prize, the Nansen Refugee Award, the Grand Cross of the French Legion of Honor, the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, and over 20 honorary doctorates from universities worldwide. In 2022, she was awarded the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize by UNESCO in recognition of her humanitarian leadership.
Across science, governance, and humanitarian values, Dr. Merkel has helped lay the groundwork for a more resilient and enlightened world. Her legacy continues to inspire others to build on that foundation through philanthropic support that shapes the future of science and society.