Dr Hannele Korhonen has been appointed as the new Director General of ICOS ERIC, following the retirement of Werner Kutsch at the end of the year. To ensure a smooth transition, Hannele Korhonen will join ICOS ERIC on 1 October 2025, and start as the Director General on 1 January 2026.
With a Ph.D. in the field of atmospheric physics, Hannele Korhonen has a strong research background in aerosol particles, modelling and climate change science. Her career spans over two decades. In addition to her scientific knowledge, Dr Korhonen brings strong experience in strategic leadership in ICOS, after having served in several managerial positions earlier, the latest being the Director of the Climate Research Programme at the Finnish Meteorological Institute since 2018.
During her career, she has also held several climate-policy-interface related positions of trust, such as her membership in the Finnish Climate Change Panel, a scientific advisory panel for the Finnish government. She has gained insight into ICOS through serving as the Finnish delegate in the ICOS General Assembly, and a member of the ICOS Finland Board, both since 2018.
Excellence through shared goals, strong teamwork, and supportive culture
“I am very excited to start in this role,” Hannele Korhonen says. “ICOS has already proven to be a European success story built on impressive work across its entire structure. I look forward to steering the organisation together with the community to further support excellence in science and strengthen the measurement-based foundation for ambitious climate policy,” she continues.
“With her broad expertise in climate science as well as proven skills in leadership, communication and policy advisory roles, Hannele Korhonen is an excellent choice to lead ICOS into the next decade. I am confident that she will be the integrative leader that we need to keep ICOS in the forefront of climate science, and further enhance its global relevance and societal impact,” says Dr Christian Plaβ-Dülmer the Chair of the ICOS General Assembly, from the German Meteorological Service.
During her career, Hannele Korhonen has gained long experience in both strategic and operational leadership within a large research organisation. “In my experience, lasting excellence stems from ambitious shared goals, strong teamwork, and a supportive work culture. I look forward to contributing to ICOS’s continued success in that spirit,” she says
There were altogether 33 applicants to the position, carefully considered by the eight members in the selection committee. The thorough selection process included in-person interviews by the committee, and personal assessments by an external agency. Hannele Korhonen was unanimously elected by the ICOS member country delegates, in a closed ballot voting in the General Assembly meeting on 21 May 2025. The term of the Director General is five years, renewable twice.