The law expert at the JKU is to succeed Maria Berger, whose term ends on October 6, 2018. Chancellor Kurz supported the decision by referring to her "outstanding professional reputation, particularly in the area of protecting fundamental rights in Europe".  Prof. Pabel has been deemed ‘highly suitable’ for the position.

The nomination must now be confirmed by the Council of Ministers and then decided by the National Council. If approved, Prof. Pabel could start her six-year term of office on October 1, 2018.

Katharina Pabel studied law at the University of Bonn (Germany) where she completed state examinations in 1997. She earned her doctorate in 2001 and taught at universities in Graz and Vienna. In 2009, she earned her academic teaching qualifications in the fields of public law, comparative law, and state church law. After a brief stay in Cologne, the 49-year-old legal expert came to the Faculty of Law at the JKU. She has been Dean of the Faculty of Law since 2015.