Walter Rosenthal

Prof. Dr. Walter Rosenthal is a prominent German academic leader currently serving as President of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) since May 2023. He previously held leadership roles at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (President 2014-2023), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Professor 2003-2014), and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (Scientific Director 2009-2014). His research focuses on pharmacology, toxicology, and cellular signal processing.

• Current HRK President (2023-)
• Former President of Friedrich Schiller University Jena (2014-2023)
• Leadership in German biomedical institutions (MDC, DZHK, BIH)

His career spans 40+ years in academic medicine, with habilitation in pharmacology (1990) and a doctorate summa cum laude (1983). Recent advocacy includes:

• Defending academic freedom against far-right pressures
• Addressing university renovation backlogs
• Supporting international researcher mobility
• Promoting science funding frameworks

Key scientific awards: Heisenberg Fellowship and social commitment recognition from the Alliance of Science Organisations.