As Chairman, Reiss will be responsible for working with his section's members to introduce new membership, initiate and organize international meetings and symposia, and, with the aid of commissions, draft recommendations and statements to politicians and the general public. Prof. Reiss, head of the Institute of Philosophy and Scientific Method, remarked: "I am, of course, very honored by the unanimous election and look forward to being able to play a greater role in contributing to future growth and promoting the Leopoldina."

Established in 1652, the Leopoldina is the world's oldest academy of science in continuous existence. Most of its approximately 1,600 members stem from German-speaking Europe, while approximately a quarter of its members are from other countries around the world. Appointed Germany's National Academy of Sciences in 2008, Leopoldina serves politicians and the public in an advisory capacity.