Elmar Pichl was born in Graz in 1973, studied law at the University of Graz, and worked as a research assistant at the university’s Institute for Public Law. Other professional positions included roles at World University Service Austria and the ÖVP federal party. In early 2007, he moved to the Ministry of Science, where he first served as chief of staff to Federal Minister Dr. Johannes Hahn and subsequently as division director in the Higher Education Section. Elmar Pichl has headed the Higher Education Section since August 1, 2013. Other positions and memberships include: Supervisory Board of OeAD-GmbH, Styrian Research Council, General Assembly of AQ Austria, Board of Trustees of GeoSphere Austria, and Board of Trustees of the Diplomatic Academy.

Elmar Pichl, M.A., Director of the Higher Education Section