Esther Ndagire and Johannes Edding are recognized for their academic achievements and community engagement.
As part of the 2026 graduation ceremony on 22 June, Dean of Graduate Programmes Thurid Hustedt presented the DAAD Prize to Esther Ndagire and the Dean’s Prize to Johannes Edding, both students who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom and enthusiastic engagement in the Hertie community.
DAAD Prize awarded to EMPA student Esther Ndagire
For the twelfth consecutive year, the DAAD Prize was awarded to a student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and engagement at the Hertie School. The DAAD Prize, worth 1,000 euros, is awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service and financed by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA). It recognizes international students at German universities and honours both their academic excellence and social or intercultural engagement.
This year, the DAAD Prize was awarded to Esther Ndagire, a full-time student of the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) programme. Among her many accomplishments, Ndagire organized the African Policy Week 2026, which was widely praised for its thoughtful programming, high quality, and professional execution.
Beyond large-scale programming, Ndagire has consistently worked to create spaces of belonging and mutual understanding. She contributed to Global Village 2025 with a presentation on Kenyan crafts and participated in Hertie Taste of the World 2026, where she showcased the cultural richness and diversity of East Africa. She has also demonstrated remarkable initiative in advocating for the recognition of African cultures and voices within the institution and has fostered partnerships among student clubs and institutional departments.
“Esther Ndagire’s commitment to bringing people together, amplifying under-represented voices, and fostering a culture of openness and belonging makes her a truly deserving recipient of the DAAD Prize,” said Dean Hustedt.
Dean’s Prize goes to MPP graduate Johannes Edding
The 2026 Dean’s Prize went to Master of Public Policy (MPP) graduate Johannes Edding. Edding distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, most notably by earning a perfect score in the course Governance & Politics of AI – the first in the course’s history.
Beyond the classroom, Johannes has also shown remarkable initiative by organizing a range of student events. As the founder of the Digital Transformation and Innovation Club, he created a space for meaningful exchange, bringing together speakers and ideas that have enriched the wider community.
“The Dean’s Prize recognizes excellence, initiative, and impact,” said Dean Hustedt. “Johannes Edding embodies all three. This award is richly deserved, and we look forward to all he will achieve in the future.”
The Hertie School warmly congratulates Esther Ndagire and Johannes Edding on their achievements!
Contact
- Judith Zylla-Wöllner, Director | Student Life and Study Abroad
- Sabine Höft, Head of Third-Party Funding Department