The Managing Director

The Managing Director of the Helmholtz Association supports, advises and represents the President in the performance of his duties and manages the Association’s head offices in Berlin and Bonn with their branches in Brussels, Moscow and Beijing.

As a special representative in administrative matters, she represents the Helmholtz Association externally and internally. Alongside the President and the Vice-Presidents, the Managing Director is a member of the Helmholtz Association's Executive Board.

Picture: Helmholtz / Phil Dera

The Managing Director’s responsibilities

The Managing Director is primarily responsible for the procedures regarding the allocation of funds under the Association’s program-oriented funding and investments in further expansion. He ensures that the resources are allocated transparently and is responsible for key output figures in terms of overall coordination of the Helmholtz Centers. The Managing Director also provides support on the establishment of long-term partnerships between research and business via technology transfer instruments (spin-off support and the Validation Fund).

The Managing Director is nominated by the President and elected for a term of five years by the general assembly. The Managing Director may be re-elected.

The Acting Managing Director: Effrosyni Chelioti

Since May 1, 2025, Effrosyni Chelioti serves as the Acting Managing Director of the Helmholtz Association. Prior to this, she held the position of Deputy Executive Director and Directorof External Relations for several years. Effrosyni Chelioti studied Political Science, European Law, and Spanish Philology at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. She also earned a PhD in Science and Technology Studies from the University of Vienna. A seasoned leader, she brings extensive international experience and expertise in science diplomacy and science communication.