Academic Education 2008 M.A. Management & Leadership, Webster University, GPA: 3.83 1999 Habilitation in Astrochemistry, University of Vienna, Title: Cosmic Dust 1990 PhD Astrophysics, University Paris VII, Groupe de Physique des Solides and University of Vienna; Graduated with excellent grades Title: Visible and Infrared Spectroscopic Studies of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and other Carbon Clusters 1988 M.S. Molecular Biology, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Molecular Biology, Salzburg; Graduated with excellent grades Title: Purification and properties of an Iminopeptidase from Streptomyces plicatus 1983-1988 Astronomy and Biology/Genetics, University of Vienna, Graduated with excellent grades (10/10) Professional Experience 2021- President, International Space University, Strasbourg, France 2015-2020 Chair of the Executive Board, German Aerospace Center 2013-2015 President, Austrian Science Fund FWF 2008- Research Professor, Space Policy & International Affairs, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, USA 2008-2017 Lead Investigator: NASA Astrobiology Institute, Node Wisconsin 2006- Professor, Astrobiology, University of Leiden, NL 2005-2008 Distinguished Visiting Scientist/Consultant, JPL/Caltech, Pasadena, USA 2004-2005 Professor, Astrobiology, University of Leiden, Institute of Chemistry, NL 2003-2004 Professor, Astrobiology, University of Amsterdam, NL Research Expertise: Astrophysics, Astrochemistry, Astrobiology, Space Policy Publications in peer-reviewed journals: 211, Invited reviews, book chapters and conference papers: 136, Edition of books: 12, H-index=74 Memberships in Academies and Committees 2023- Co-Chair, Global Future Council on Space, World Economic Forum 2023- Member, Jet Propulsion Laboratory JPL, Advisory Council 2022- President, Committee on Space Research COSPAR 2022- Board of Directors, Space Foundation 2019-2022 President, International Astronautical Federation IAF 2018-2020 Chair, European Space Research Establishment ESRE 2018-2021 Chancellor, International Space University 2018 Honorary Member, Académie de l'Air et de l'Espace 2016-2019 Vice President, International Astronautical Federation: Communication, Publications and Global Conferences 2016-2018 Vice Chancellor, International Space University 2015-2020 Vice President, Helmholtz Association (Aeronautics-Space-Transportation) 2015-2021 Board of Trustees, Universities Space Research Association USRA, Region III 2010-2019 Chair, Committee on Space Research COSPAR Panel on Exploration PEX Prizes & Awards 2022 Harrie Massey Award, Committee on Space Research COSPAR 2022 Polarstern Preis, Österreichisches Weltraum Forum 2020 Jean Dominique Cassini Medal, European Geophysical Union 2020 Women in Aerospace Europe, Outstanding Achievement Award 2019 Knight of the Legion of Honour 2011 NASA Group Achievement Award for the O/OREOS satellite mission 2001 Pastoor-Schmeits Prize for Astronomy, Netherlands 2001 New Impulse grant, Dutch Government 1999 Asteroid 9826 Ehrenfreund 2114 T-3 1996 APART Prize, Austrian Academy of Science