1973-78, studies in Physics, Leipzig University; 1986, Doctorate. 1978-90, academic positions; 1990, Deputy Government Spokeswoman; since 1990, Member, German Bundestag; 1991-94, Federal Minister, Women and Youth; 1991-98, Vice-Chairwoman, CDU; 1994-98, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety; 1998-2000, Secretary-General, CDU; since 2000, Chairwoman, CDU; since 2002, Chairwoman, CDU-CSU parliamentary group; since November 2005, Federal Chancellor of Germany.