When Matthias Kleiner leaves academia in January to become president of the DFG, Germany's main research funding agency, he will be the first engineer to take on the country's most influential research-management position. He will face challenges relating to financing research, expanding university research and dealing with Germany's restrictions on stem-cell science. “I am entering new territory,” he says, “but this is what a scientist is used to.” (See CV)

Kleiner's research field — which focuses on engineering items such as light-weight metals for high-speed trains — rarely makes headline news. As DFG president, Kleiner will oversee the distribution of grants and awards worth €1.3 billion (US$1.6 billion) per year, funding everything from quantum physics to the social sciences.

After college, Kleiner chose science over acting, and later rejected several industry job offers to stay in academia. In 1994, four years after German unification, he became full professor at the University of Cottbus in eastern Germany. For a young professor in difficult scientific environs, setting up a new department for engineering sciences was challenging. The lack of industry collaborations in the east was a factor in his later return to western Germany.

A big part of Kleiner's new job will be managing a €1.9-billion 'excellence initiative' aimed at creating top universities and establishing several new graduate schools. He is keen to improve career opportunities for scientists in Germany and to encourage talented young researchers. “Develop an appetite for science,” he tells them. “Be curious and look to the right and left alongside the path you choose.”

Politically, Kleiner's most delicate task will be addressing the topic of human embryonic stem-cell research. Restrictive laws have led some scientists to leave Germany. Before making any judgement, Kleiner says he needs a better understanding of the field and the ethics. The technology can be used responsibly, he says, but regulations will be required.

Noting that inadequate technology transfer has been identified as partially responsible for Germany's sluggish economy, Kleiner endorses more collaboration between industry and academia. Industry, he says, should more frequently be involved in DFG-funded research projects in order to facilitate downstream applications.

“It is about time for an engineer to head the DFG,” says Hubert Markl, a zoologist and former president of the DFG. “I know they always wanted one, but apparently most of these guys are too busy with other things.”