European Institute of Innovation and Technology elects a new chairman

The board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has elected Peter Olesen as its next chairman to succeed biotech entrepreneur, Alexander von Gabain, who has held the post since 2011.

Olesen, a plant biologist, picks up the reins at the beginning of August, with a brief to take forward the EIT’s plans for the creation of four new Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) over the next two years.

"I am very much looking forward to taking on this challenge and continuing to shape the EIT in its next growth stage, as outlined in the EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda,” Olesen said.

Following the successful foundation of the EIT and the formation of the first three KICs, the next few years will be decisive for the EIT. “We [will] continue to strengthen the activities of the existing KICs and expand our portfolio of KICs, with the designation of two new ones in December this year and preparations for the launch of two new ones in 2016,” said Olesen.

Olesen, who comes from Denmark, completed a PhD in plant cell biology at Copenhagen University in 1978. He was appointed to the board of EIT in 2012.

Since 2008 he has chaired the Danish Council for Strategic Research, and also sits on a number of science and policy committees in his home country, as well as in the EU.

Currently, Olesen is manager of his own company, ActiFoods, which provides consultancy to food companies.