Deutsches Museum continues its successful development under the leadership of a TUM professor
Michael Decker is the new Director General
Decker said of his new role: "What sets the Deutsches Museum apart is that it doesn't just exhibit new scientific discoveries and new technologies, but also provides a forum for discussing their potential consequences for society – both positive and negative. Museums have been shown to enjoy high trust among the public – and I would like to take advantage of this. And the more visitors, the more children come, the better." He sees it as a great honor and responsibility to lead the museum. The Deutsches Museum is considered the world's largest museum of science and technology.
Decker was appointed professor to the Oskar von Miller Chair of Science Communication at TUM in the spring, a position previously held by Heckl. Before that, Decker was a professor of technology assessment at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The 59-year-old studied physics in Heidelberg and also earned his doctorate there. He completed his habilitation at the University of Freiburg. Most recently, he was head of the Department of Computer Science, Economics, and Society at KIT.
Technological innovations need the support of society
Science Minister Markus Blume said: "Many thanks to Professor Wolfgang M. Heckl for more than two decades of boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and impressive commitment! Inspiring enthusiasm for technology is his life's work, and the Deutsches Museum as we know it today is his life's achievement. As Bavaria's number one science communicator, he managed to spark fascination for progress every day for over 20 years: Wolfgang Heckl is just as comfortable at the regulars' table as he is with cutting-edge science. He was the driving force behind the future initiative and general renovation. During his tenure, the Deutsches Museum broke visitor records one after another – most recently, it attracted over 1.5 million visitors annually."
TUM President Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann emphasized: "As a forward-looking university, we want to align our technological innovations with the expectations, needs, and values of our society. Only if we succeed in doing so and work not only for but with people will we remain relevant and be able to meaningfully apply our scientific findings and technological developments' impact on social development. The personnel link with the management of the Deutsches Museum is, therefore, also very valuable for TUM. It is not just a museum for technical objects but an inspiring fountain of youth that inspires fascination for science and technology in well over a million people every year. I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Prof. Decker as the new Director General, and I wish him every success in this unique role. I would also like to thank his predecessor, Wolfgang M. Heckl, who, with his courageous initiative, determination, and winning manner, brought the Deutsches Museum into the modern age and brought people to Museum Island."
Thanks to his predecessor
The retirement of the previous Director General, Wolfgang M. Heckl, marks the end of an era at the Deutsches Museum. For more than two decades, longer than any of his predecessors, he guided the fortunes of the institution. Heckl said: "It has been a great honor for me to serve this institution for more than 20 years – and I am delighted to hand over this important task to Mr. Decker today. I wish him every success!"
Technical University of Munich
Corporate Communications Center
- Ulrich Meyer
- presse@tum.de
- Teamwebsite
