ESFRI elects Elena Hoffert as its next chair

European research infrastructures will have a new face from 2027. At its Forum Meeting in Nicosia under the Cypriot Presidency, ESFRI elected Elena Hoffert, currently ESFRI Vice-Chair, as its next Chair.

The election comes at a time when Europe is facing growing challenges related to competitiveness, security and technological sovereignty. Addressing Forum members, current ESFRI Chair José Luis Martínez stressed that research and innovation are entering a period that will require new approaches and the ability to respond quickly to a changing environment.

In her address to the Forum, Hoffert reflected on ESFRI's 25-year contribution to the development of European research infrastructures. She emphasized the growing importance of research infrastructures as providers of trusted scientific data and described ESFRI as a bridge between openness and security. She also highlighted the need to uphold European values, strengthen the resilience of research infrastructures and ensure that Europe remains an attractive destination for top scientific talent.

Hoffert brings extensive experience in research policy and research infrastructure governance. She played a key role in developing the French roadmap for research infrastructures and coordinated France's contributions to the ESFRI Roadmap process.

“Elena Hoffert takes over ESFRI at a pivotal moment. In the coming years, ESFRI will need not only to implement the new ESFRI Roadmap but also to strengthen its capacities and its ability to respond to the rapidly evolving European research and innovation landscape. The ESFRI Executive Board stands ready to support her in this effort,” said Jan Hrušák of the Heyrovský Institute, member of the ESFRI Executive Board and Chair of the Search Committee.