Henrik Enderlein Fellowship 2025/26

What is the Henrik Enderlein Distinguished Fellowship for Policy Professionals?

For the fourth year in a row, the Hertie School is looking for policymakers 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 2025 and ends in May 2026. The fellowship is designed to support scholars and policy practitioners who are dedicated to promoting exchange between policymakers and academia in Germany and at the European level. We want to support outstanding individuals capable of building networks that bring together stakeholders from academia, policy and politics in tackling urgent issues on the European and national agenda. The fellowship is funded by 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 policymakers 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 are looking 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 are invited to submit an outline of their fellowship plans, detailing the research and teaching activities to be conducted at the Hertie School. Additionally, applicants should provide a letter of motivation and a CV. Applications for the 2025/26 fellowships are now open and will be accepted until 16 March 2025 (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 John Morijn, a seasoned legal scholar and policymaker with a globetrotting career spanning academia, government and independent advisory bodies.

Background information

For 20 years, the Hertie School has been teaching, researching and debating good governance and public affairs in the heart of Berlin and Europe. The social science university offers master’s degrees, doctoral programmes and executive education to train change-makers in government, business and civil society. True to its motto “Understand today. Shape tomorrow.”, the university conducts interdisciplinary research, provides international and practice-oriented education, and serves as a forum for public debate. Six Centres of Competence strengthen its expertise in European affairs, international security, fundamental rights, sustainability, digital governance, and data science. The Hertie School was founded in 2004 by the non-profit Hertie Foundation and has been generously supported by it ever since. It is a member of the European university alliance CIVICA, publicly recognised, and accredited by the Accreditation Council as well as the German Council of Science and Humanities. 

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.