Professor Christoph Markschies Appointed as New President of the Virchow Foundation
Berlin, February 28, 2025 – The Virchow Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Christoph Markschies as its new Foundation President, effective March 1, 2025. Professor Markschies succeeds Professor Dr. Gerald H. Haug, who has held the position since the Foundation’s inception. Both internationally leading academics belong to the group of the five Co-Founders of the Virchow Foundation.
Christoph Markschies brings an exceptional breadth of interdisciplinary expertise to the Virchow Foundation. He is currently serving as President of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities and as President of The Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities. A renowned scholar in theology and the history of ancient Christianity, he has consistently advocated for the integration of humanities perspectives within global health and sustainability dialogues.
“I am deeply honored to assume the role of President at the Virchow Foundation,” stated Professor Markschies. “Building on the remarkable leadership of Founding President Gerald Haug, my esteemed colleague and former President of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, I look forward to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that addresses the complex interconnections between human health, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Our collective work remains essential in advancing the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that good health is a universal right.”
Outgoing President Gerald Haug reflected on the transition: “It has been a privilege to serve our vision and mission ‘towards health for all’ and experience the Virchow Foundation’s as well as the prestigious and highly endowed international Virchow Prize’s growth in championing holistic health solutions. Christoph Markschies’ leadership and dedication to interdisciplinary scholarship will undoubtedly guide the Foundation to new heights. I am confident that under his stewardship, the Foundation will continue to be a platform for excellence in health.”
The appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Virchow Foundation as it continues to promote integrated, systems-based approaches to global health challenges. In 2024, the Foundation expanded its scope to reflect a broader commitment to planetary health, underscoring the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors in achieving sustainable health outcomes.
Christoph Markschies’ extensive experience in fostering international academic partnerships and his commitment to ethical leadership position him to drive forward the Foundation’s mission to improve global well-being through innovative and inclusive strategies.
For more information about the Virchow Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.virchow.foundation.
About the Virchow Foundation
The non-profit Virchow Foundation was established in 2021 with support of the Presidents of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities as well as Members of the German Bundestag and civil society to contribute to the improvement of health worldwide. Through the joint commitment of highly respected international individuals and organisations, the close partnership with the World Health Summit, and the establishment of the Virchow Prize under High Patronage of the German Federal President in 2022 and the President of the German Bundestag since 2023, the Virchow Foundation is actively committed to ‘health for all’.
Media Contact
Virchow Foundation Secretariat, +49 (0) 30 20 370 302, secretariat@virchow.foundation, www.virchow.foundation
