At his own request
Lothar Wieler leaves the Robert Koch Institute
Lothar H Wieler
© Christian Marquardt – Pool / Getty Images
RKI President Lothar Wieler is leaving the institute on April 1 of his own volition. He wants to devote himself to new tasks in research and teaching. Wieler has headed the Robert Koch Institute since 2015.
The President of the Robert Koch Institute, Prof. Lothar H. Wieler, will resign from his position on April 1 at his own request. This was shared by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Robert Koch Institute on Wednesday with Wieler wants to devote himself to new tasks in research and teaching. The step was taken in agreement with Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach.
Wieler has been at the head of the RKI since March 2015. For a transitional period, Wieler’s task will be taken over by his deputy, Prof. Lars Schaade.
Lauterbach regrets Wieler’s end at the RKI
In the fight against the corona pandemic, the RKI played an important role in Germany. “During the pandemic, the Robert Koch Institute demonstrated its excellence. It was a privilege to be able to work in a prominent position together with a motivated team of outstanding experts during this crisis,” explained Wieler. He thanked the institute’s staff for their “extraordinary commitment”. “Likewise, thank you to the health ministers I’ve had the privilege of working with.”
Federal Minister of Health Lauterbach said that he appreciated working with Wieler. In overcoming the pandemic, he “rendered lasting and outstanding services to the country”. Therefore he regrets that Wieler is leaving the RKI. “Without Prof. Wieler, Germany would have come through this pandemic much worse. I would like to thank you very much for that, also on behalf of the entire federal government.”