In June 2017, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier took over as patron of the National Academy of Science and Engineering, following in the footsteps of his predecessors Joachim Gauck, Christian Wulff and Horst Köhler.
The Federal President’s patronage is an indication that the German government has a particular interest in the organisation, initiative or event in question. It is only granted to ventures that have positive impacts for the whole of Germany.
acatech Annual Meeting 2016 with Joachim Gauck
Former Federal President Joachim Gauck gave the official address at the acatech Annual Meeting in 2016.
Many people in our country, myself included, want to know more about how assistance from autonomous systems could transform our lives. I am therefore delighted that this topic is being addressed by the National Academy of Science and Engineering.