Edith Claßen successfully completed her studies in chemistry at the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Bonn and in environmental science, as well as her doctorate, at RWTH Aachen University. Her doctoral thesis was awarded with the award of the Aachen Textile Conference and the award of the Australian Wool Association.

For more than 30 years, Edith Claßen has worked on applied research projects with industry participation in various companies. Since 2007, she has worked as project manager, head of research development, and now as Scientific Affairs Manager at the Hohenstein Institutes. She is an expert and chairwoman in various DIN, CEN, and ISO committees. Since 2025, she has chaired the Textile Standards Committee (BR106) and the Materials Testing Division for Textiles, Leather, and Footwear (FBR062-05) at DIN.