What is the Henrik Enderlein Distinguished Fellowship for Policy Professionals?

For the third year in a row, the Hertie School is looking for policy-makers and researchers to work on challenges of the European Union. The fellowship enables research stays of up to nine months at the Hertie School. The next term starts in September 2024 and ends in May 2025. The fellowship is designed to support scholars and policy practitioners who are dedicated to promoting exchange between policy-makers and academia in Germany and at the European level. We want to support outstanding individuals capable of building networks that bring together stakeholders from science, policy and politics in tackling urgent issues on the European and national agenda. The fellowship is funded by the foundation Stiftung Mercator.

Why Henrik Enderlein? Bridging the gap between academia and public policy

The Distinguished Fellowship for Policy Professionals commemorates Henrik Enderlein, the Hertie School's late president, his role in building bridges between research and public policy and his resulting influence on European policy-makers on matters of innovation and reform. “Henrik's ability to build networks and to reach out beyond academia was crucial in turning the Hertie School into a renowned academic institution and forum for exchange at the interface of top-notch research and policy-making processes”, says Hertie School President Cornelia Woll. "We are honoured to have the support of the Stiftung Mercator to welcome designated fellows to continue his legacy.”

Who can apply for the Fellowship?

We look for candidates who have demonstrated outstanding achievements or possess a distinguished record of participation in the academic, journalistic, political or civic world of public policy, in particular in areas of the Hertie School's Centres of Competence. Recent work experience as a policy practitioner is required. Work experience in public administration (senior position) is an asset. Candidates must be based in Europe.

Interested candidates can hand in an outline for their fellowship plans that involve research and teaching activities to be conducted at the Hertie School from September 2024 to May 2025. The application deadline is Sunday, March 17, 2024 (23:59 CET).

Funding for up to nine months

The Henrik Enderlein Fellowship offers funding for research and teaching activities for up to nine months in a growing international and interdisciplinary research community. A travel and accommodation budget for non-residential fellowships and business trips is provided.

The current Henrik Enderlein Fellow is Besa Shahini, political analyst and former Albanian Minister of Education. Her research and teaching as Henrik Enderlein Fellow examines the EU enlargement process to the Western Balkans. She succeeded inaugural fellow Johannes Linder, who was Head of the EU Institutions and Fora Division at the European Central Bank before he became Co-Director of the Hertie School’s Jacques Delors Centre.

 

 

Background information

This year the Hertie School celebrates its 20th anniversary. With the motto “Understand today, shape tomorrow”, the public policy school in the heart of Berlin researches and teaches on good governance. It offers both master's and doctoral programmes, as well as executive education for public administration officials and civic leaders. The Hertie School distinguishes itself through its  interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching, as well as outstanding research. Its extensive international network positions it as an ambassador of good governance, characterised by public debate and engagement. Six Centres of Competence strengthen the university’s expertise in sustainability, fundamental rights, as well as digital, security and European policy. The university was founded in 2004 by the Hertie Foundation, which remains its major funder. It is accredited by the state and the German Science and Humanities Council.

Stiftung Mercator is a private, independent and non-profit foundation that acts on the basis of scientific expertise and practical project experience. Since 1996, it has been advocating for a society based on solidarity and participation. To this end, it supports and develops projects that improve participation and cohesion in an increasingly diverse community. Stiftung Mercator stands up for a cosmopolitan, democratic Europe, a digital transformation of state and society based on fundamental rights, and socially just climate change mitigation. Stiftung Mercator pursues activities in Germany, Europe and worldwide. It feels particularly connected to the Ruhr area, home of its founder's family and the foundation’s headquarters.

What we offer

Tasks and activities of the Henrik Enderlein Fellow