Paris, June 12, 2024 — The prestigious 2024 Henrik Enderlein Prize has been awarded to Alexandros Kentikelenis, Associate Professor of Political Economy and Sociology at Bocconi University, and Filip Kostelka, Professor and Chair of Political and Social Change at the European University Institute. The award ceremony, a joint event organized by the French and German Foreign Offices, the Hertie School, and Sciences Po, took place last night in Paris.
The Henrik Enderlein Prize, now in its third year, honors exceptional scholars under 40 who contribute significantly to Europe’s future through their research and civic engagement. Kentikelenis and Kostelka were recognized for their outstanding work on democracy and social cohesion.
Cornelia Woll, President of the Hertie School and the prize jury, highlighted the winners’ contributions: “With their research on governance and society in Europe, this year’s winners contribute to academic discussions on pressing challenges for democratic societies. We were impressed by their engagement with questions of participation and social justice in Europe. On behalf of the entire jury, I warmly congratulate them for their important work at the interface between academia and political practice.”
German State Minister for Europe and Climate Anna Lührmann praised the practical relevance of their work: “Democracy, social cohesion, the green transition and the digital sphere are at the heart of European political debates. Politicians should make their decisions based on facts and scientific results. With their excellent work, this year’s prize winners contribute to better policymaking. Thanks, and congratulations to them!”
French Minister of State for Europe Jean-Noël Barrot added: “In these times of rising populism, which seem to have simple answers, the Henrik Enderlein Prize is an important reminder that the rational individual is at the heart of our Europe, that reason and knowledge should remain our compass.”
The prize, endowed with 10,000 euros, was awarded during the Hertie School’s Anniversary Forum “Europe at a crossroads: Looking back to move forward,” celebrating 20 years of the institution. Besides jury president Cornelia Woll, notable attendees included German State Minister for Europe and Climate Anna Lührmann and French Ambassador to Germany Francois Delattre.
In addition to the main awards, an honorable mention was given to Roxana Radu, a digital governance scholar at Oxford University. Her contributions to cyber security and digital policy were commended by the jury.
The Henrik Enderlein Prize, established in 2022 by the Hertie School, Sciences Po, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims to honor young social scientists whose work demonstrates scientific excellence and contributes to public debates on Europe’s future.
Jeremy Perelman, Director of International Affairs at Sciences Po, emphasized the importance of such research: “The Henrik Enderlein Prize demonstrates the major role of research and the human and social sciences in making a concrete contribution to major contemporary issues. I extend my congratulations to Alexandros Kentikelenis, Filip Kostelka, and Roxana Radu for the excellence of their work.”
