At its meeting on October 20, 2020, the general assembly of acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering appointed 36 new members from the fields of engineering, natural science, social science and the humanities. Among these new members is our institute director, Prof. Andrea Büttner. The members of acatech provide policymakers and the general public with strategic advice on science, engineering and technology policy. In fulfillment of its mandate from federal and state government, acatech provides independent, science-based advice that focuses on the common good. It sets out the opportunities and risks attendant upon new technological developments and seeks to ensure that new ideas become innovations and that such innovations lead to prosperity, greater welfare and a better quality of life.