ZOiS Director and Einstein Professor Gwendolyn Sasse is elected to the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities

The Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities elected 10 researchers – five women and five men – as new Ordinary Members at its meeting on Leibniz Day, 13 June 2026. Professor Gwendolyn Sasse was admitted as an Ordinary Member in the Political Science category. She comments: ‘I am greatly honoured to be awarded membership of the Academy. This will spur me on in my further work at ZOiS, at Humboldt-Universität and in the Academy’s formats.’

Recognition of outstanding achievements in research

The Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities elects its members from Germany and abroad. Outstanding academic achievement is a prerequisite for membership, with Ordinary and Extraordinary Members elected from all disciplines. Ordinary Members are expected to play an active role. ‘I am especially pleased because as well as producing outstanding research, the Academy follows Leibniz’s own principle of Theoria cum praxi – theory with practice – and emphasises academia’s responsibility towards society. This aligns with my own understanding of my role as a researcher,’ says Gwendolyn Sasse.

Research as a social responsibility

Founded as the Prussian Academy of Sciences, the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities has a 325-year-old history. Today, its activities focus on research in the humanities, interdisciplinary research and fostering dialogue between science and society. In addition to the Academy programmes, its research portfolio includes a diverse range of externally funded projects. Its members also perform social and political advisory functions through its interdisciplinary working groups.