We are pleased to announce the election of Dr. Sabine Hölter-Koch as the new IMPC Vice Chair. Dr. Hölter-Koch, Head of Behavioural Neuroscience, Helmholtz Munich, has been an integral part of IMPC’s success, including her role as the Behavioural & Sensory Working Group head prior to her appointment. She is also involved in other international scientific initiatives, such as COST Teatime action, focusing on automated home cage behaviour monitoring. Dr. Hölter-Koch’s experience and expertise leadership in behavioural neuroscience within international initiatives will continue to drive innovation and success of IMPC. Her election represents a significant milestone as she is IMPC’s first female chair strengthening IMPC’s commitment to gender balance and inclusivity.
Dr Hölter-Koch will take on her new role from 1st January 2025 alongside the new Chair, Dr. Jason Heaney from Baylor College of Medicine, and the past chair, Yann Herault from Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), forming the new senior leadership team for IMPC. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Radislav Sedlacek, Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, for his leadership and contribution as the Chair (2021-2022) and past chair (2023-2024). The current chair, Yann Herault, welcomes Dr. Hölter-Koch to the senior leadership team: “We all look forward to working with Sabine from next year and beyond to complete this phase of our project and, importantly, transition to future plans.”
Dr Hölter-Koch shared with us her approach to her new role:
“They did not know it was impossible, so they did it. “- by Mark Twain
“This is how I think of the incredible leadership and vision of Steve Brown and others that brought us here against many odds. And I believe we need to keep that daring spirit moving forward.”