Prof. Dr. Annette Schavan

Federal minister

Personal data:

Born in Jüchen on 10 June 1955, grew up in Neuss on the Rhine together with two younger brothers; Catholic, single.
Studies in Catholic Theology, Philosophy and Education Science; doctoral degree (Dr. phil.) in 1980.
2009 Appointment as honorary professor at Freie Universität Berlin

Professional career:

1980 to 1984

Desk officer at the Cusanuswerk, which awards grants to highly talented Catholic students

1984 to 1987

Head of department for out-of-school education at the Generalvikariat of the Catholic Diocese of Aachen

1987/88

Federal manager of the CDU's women's organization Frauen-Union

1988 to 1991

Assistant director of the Cusanuswerk

1991 to 1995

Director of the Cusanuswerk

Political career:

1975 to 1984

Engaged in local politics in Neuss

1982 to 1984

Municipal councillor

1995 to 2005

Minister of Education, Youth and Sport of Land Baden-Württemberg

since 1998

Vice-chair of the CDU

2001 to 2005

Member of the Land Parliament of Baden-Württemberg

since October 2005

Member of the German Bundestag

since November 2005

Federal Minister of Education and Research