A Physicist Takes Charge: Michael Decker Steps In As New Head Of Germany's German Museum
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Scientist Takes Charge at German Museum: New Leader Hails from Physics Realm - Scientist Assumes Leadership at German Museum
The German Museum, one of Germany's largest science museums, is under new leadership. Physicist Michael Decker, hailing from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has taken on the role of General Director, succeeding Wolfgang M. Heckl who retired after more than 20 years in the position.
Decker expressed his gratitude for the appointment, hinting at his ambitions for the museum: "I aim to foster meaningful conversations between people and technology. My goal is to make the museum a space where society can discuss the consequences of science and technology."
The new leader plans to inspire visitors to engage in dialogues, encouraging them to weigh in on crucial topics like AI in healthcare, for instance. He envisions the museum as a place where visitors can explore science together and engage in thought-provoking discussions.
A Childhood Encounter in a Faraday Cage
Decker's passion for science was sparked during his childhood, when a daring demonstration of high-voltage electricity left an indelible impression. "I vividly recall going into a Faraday cage as a dare," he reminisced. "My older brother went first, and I couldn't let him outdo me." The experience, he says, changed his life forever.
Meanwhile, hopes are high for the revival of the Mining Museum, which has been under renovation and dismantled in the process. Decker and the new management team are set to discuss the possibility of creating a digital twin of the mine.
The Perfect Fit
Markus Blume, Germany's Science Minister, praised Decker as the "ideal choice" for the position. "The role of a technology museum is to banish fear and inspire awe when it comes to technology," said Blume. "Decker is perfectly suited for this task, ensuring technology is embraced without blind trust, and its potential is showcased."
The German Museum, part of the Leibniz Association, is spread across various locations, including the museum island, the traffic center on Theresienhöhe, the aviation center Schließheim, and branches in Nuremberg and Bonn.
BackgroundMichael Decker:
- Field: Physics
- Previous Institution: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- New Role: General Director, German Museum
- Key Aims: Inspire curiosity, foster dialogues, and raise awareness about science and technology
Moving Forward:
As Michael Decker steps into his new role, the German Museum is set to continue showcasing scientific and technological excellence, while embracing innovation, modernization, and public engagement. The museum will maintain its strong focus on education and collaborate with academic institutions, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the scientific community.
- Michael Decker, now the General Director of the German Museum, aims to make the museum a platform for meaningful discussions between people and technology, particularly focusing on topics such as AI in healthcare.
- Decker plans to encourage visitors to engage in dialogues and weigh in on crucial topics, with the goal of making the museum a space where society can discuss the consequences of science and technology.
