| Willy Brandt School of Public Policy

Brandt School Welcomes New Students

The Brandt School opened the new academic year with its traditional Welcome Reception on October 29, 2020. The virtual meeting combined warm words of welcome, a keynote speech on democracy and entrepreneurship during Covid-times, the launch of a new publication, and the presentation of the Brandt School Graduation Prizes.

Prior to the welcoming and in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Brandt Report, Brandt School alumni presented their new joint publication “Populism and a New Age of International Fragility. Seeking Policy Innovations 40 Years after the Brandt Report”, rethinking implications of new challenges for policy making on all levels. Following this, the Managing Director of the Brandt School, Lena Kiesewetter, welcomed all new public policy students and congratulated them on their admission to the Master program of Public Policy.  The distinguished Professor David Audretsch (Indiana University) held a keynote speech on “Democracy and Entrepreneurship in the Era of Corona”. He called upon the newcomers:"The challenge to your generation will be to restore and revive democracy."

Having heard the inspirational words by Prof. Audretsch, guests were free to ask questions during the Q&A session. Also, the student government representatives Komal Ramdey and Robin Schultz welcomed the newcomers, offered their help for any kind of problems and encouraged them to get involved. As a special highlight and in lieu of an official graduation ceremony, Prof. Dr. Andreas Goldthau proudly awarded the Brandt School Graduation Prizes to four recent MPP graduates.

Most of the new public policy students have already arrived during October and attended a series of meetings during our orientation week – both online and on site.

A recording of the Welcome Reception is available on YouTube.