Dr. Kristina Plattner is a permanent member of the Foundation Council of the Hasso Plattner Foundation. She focuses on projects related to the African continent, with a strong emphasis on education, environmental protection, and nature conservation. 

Her passion for the natural sciences has significantly influenced her academic journey. In 2002, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Biochemistry as well as a Bachelor of Science in Medicine with distinction from the University of Cape Town. In 2011, she completed her PhD in Exercise Physiology, Human Biology, and Neuroscience. 

Kristina Plattner has been living in South Africa since 1998. Due to her deep connection to the African continent, she has been a driving force behind the Foundation’s philanthropic projects in Africa since the early 2000s. She is particularly committed to sustainability, future-oriented development, and social responsibility. She views education as the primary catalyst for progress.

One of the projects closest to her heart is the Hasso Plattner d-school AFRIKA at the University of Cape Town, the first HP School of Design Thinking in Africa. Kristina Plattner plays a vital role in the school’s strategic management. 

Her dedication to preserving Africa’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations is a passion she shares with her mother, Sabine Plattner. To promote sustainability, Kristina Plattner is actively involved in her mother’s philanthropic initiatives in environmental protection and education, such as Sabine Plattner African Charities.  

Another key area of interest for Kristina Plattner is Data4Life, an initiative focused on developing digital solutions to improve global health.