Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka

worked as a research assistant at Merseburg Technical College after obtaining a degree in Mathematics at the University of Leipzig. In 1980, she was awarded a doctorate in Natural Science at Merseburg Technical College, where she subsequently worked as a lecturer and researcher until her appointment as Professor of Engineering Mathematics at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences in 1993.

From 1994 to 2000 she was Rector of Merseburg University of Applied Sciences before being appointed Minister of Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg in 2000. She has been a member of the CDU since 2001. In 2005, she was President of the Standing Conference of the State Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs in the Federal Republic of Germany.