Fritz Stern Award for Democratic Engagement
Wednesday, January 28, 2026Invitation Only
Fritz Stern Award for Democratic Engagement honoring Małgorzata Maria Gersdorf, Former First President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Poland laudation by Andreas Voßkuhle, Former President of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany (Invitation Only)
With her unwavering dedication to justice and democracy in Poland, Małgorzata Maria Gersdorf has inspired people worldwide. From her early activism in Solidarność to her historic role as First President of the Supreme Court, she has been a staunch defender of judicial independence and the rule of law. In 2017, she stood firm against efforts to undermine the judiciary, showing exceptional courage and dignity. Her return to the court, white rose in hand, became a symbol of constitutional integrity and Poland’s commitment to the European Union. Her resilience galvanized the Polish judiciary and civil society. It reminded all Europeans of the shared values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
The Fritz Stern Award for Democratic Engagement, which will be awarded jointly by Bard College Berlin and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Science and Humanities, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to global democratic culture and practice across the academic, cultural, and political spheres. The inaugural award ceremony will also celebrate the launch of the new European Democracy Institute at Bard College Berlin.
We are grateful for the generous support of the C.H.Beck Kulturstiftung, Allison Blakely, Ruprecht Brandis, Roland Brinkmann, and Olivier Weddrien. This initiative would not have been possible without their dedication to democracy and education.
For questions kindly contact Dr. Berit Ebert: [email protected]