Chancellor Olaf Scholz introduced the 23 members of the new Expert Council in Berlin on March 18, 2024. "One lesson from the pandemic is that we need to make our healthcare system more resilient and robust - also with regard to the consequences of climate change and demographic developments,” he said.

Among the members is Professor Luise Poustka, who has been Medical Director of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Heidelberg University Hospital since October 2023. "I am delighted about this appointment," says the psychiatrist. "Firstly, because it was recognized how important it is to consider the mental health of children and adolescents. As we all know, this was not the case during the pandemic, at least not to a sufficient extent, and we are still feeling the consequences today. Additionally, I am glad that the government is not only setting up a health council in times of crisis, but wants to continue working with science experts on an ongoing basis. "

The Expert Council is made up of scientists from various disciplines, including public health, ethics, medicine, nursing sciences, social sciences and virology. They work on a voluntary and independent basis. The chairmanship is shared by Professor Susanne Moebus from the University Medical Center Essen and the Chairman of the Board of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Professor Heyo Kroemer.

"We are proud to have Luise Poustka, another scientist and doctor from Heidelberg University Hospital, on an important committee that advises the federal government," says Professor Ingo Autenrieth, Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Director of Heidelberg University Hospital. Professor Wolfgang Wick, Medical Director of the Department of Neurology and Vice Dean for Structure and Development at the Heidelberg Medical Faculty, has just been re-elected as Chairman of the German Science and Humanities Council, while Professor Alexander Dalpke, Medical Director of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, recently became a new member of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). "I congratulate Luise Poustka on this recognition and wish her much joy and success in her work on the Council."

Scientific Advice should be considered in politics

Luise Poustka is excited about her new role. "I'm particularly looking forward to the discussion with colleagues from other disciplines. And, of course, I hope that together we can come up with evidence-based recommendations that policymakers will consider. This has generally worked well during the pandemic."

The Council deals with the question of how the healthcare system and society can best deal with future crises on a scientific basis, according to a statement from the German government. The Council can advise the government "ad hoc" on current public health issues. The committee meets regularly for plenary sessions. Work on the key topics defined at the constituent meeting is divided into working groups. The Council's opinions are adopted by the plenary session.

About the person

Luise Poustka has been Medical Director of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Heidelberg University Hospital since October 2023. She specializes in research into the development, early detection and early intervention of children with autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Her aim is to advise and train affected families as early as possible in order to positively influence the severity of symptoms through appropriate and supportive interaction with the child. Poustka was born in Vienna, studied acting and directing at the University of Music and Performing Arts at the University of Vienna and medicine at the University of Heidelberg. She completed her specialist training at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UKHD and at the University of Cambridge, UK. She then worked as a senior physician and later as a senior consultant at the Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, where she completed her habilitation. In 2015, she took over the Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical University of Vienna, turned down a call to Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin before taking up the position of Head of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University Medical Center Göttingen in 2017. She is a board member of the German Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (DGKJP) and Deputy President of the Scientific Society for Autism Spectrum Disorders.