Adenauer School of Government
New Impetus for Responsible Governance

Responsibility in Times of Change

Drawing on the historical responsibility that arises from the civilizational rupture caused by National Socialism, the Alfred Landecker Foundation regards the strengthening of democratic institutions and the rule of law as a core mission. Institutions must be independent, effective, and staffed with outstanding talent in order to safeguard fundamental principles such as the rule of law, pluralism, and the protection of minorities over the long term. The Foundation’s support for the Adenauer School of Government in Cologne exemplifies this commitment. The School combines cutting-edge research, teaching, and the training of the next generation of scholars with the goal of strengthening democratic institutions in a sustainable way.

A New Centre for Public Policy and Governance

The Adenauer School of Government (ASG) is a central academic institution of the University of Cologne. Its aim is to establish itself as an internationally oriented, non-partisan centre for research and education. It combines scientific analysis with experience from the fields of politics, public administration, business, and society. Its namesake, Konrad Adenauer, stands across party lines for responsible statesmanship during times of profound upheaval — a quality that is more relevant today than ever.

Excellence in Research and Teaching

Modelled on leading Anglo-American schools of government, the ASG will combine internationally recognised governance research with innovative teaching and educate future leaders for the public sector. The ASG’s first academic program is a master’s program in “Public Governance.” It will begin in the 2027–28 winter semester, will be taught in English, and will be offered as a regular program at the University of Cologne with no tuition fees. It is aimed at both students currently enrolled in a master’s program and those who have recently graduated. The master’s program is designed as a compact program that complements and deepens students’ prior studies and can be completed within one year. 

Prospective students will be taught methodological tools - including those from the fields of data science and AI - so that they can later play an active role in shaping government policy in a world increasingly characterized by technology and data.

Together with researchers and experienced decision-makers from politics, government, and business, participants work on solutions to specific challenges through interactive formats. 

During its development phase, the ASG is collaborating with its Founding Faculty Network. This network includes leading scholars from institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford, among others, who are working alongside the Cologne faculty to develop the curriculum for the master’s program and contribute their expertise in research, academic advising, and the establishment of the ASG. At the same time, the ASG is conducting international faculty recruitment processes. 

The Foundation is providing an annual budget of ten million euros, and its support is designed as a long-term commitment. The School is led by Professor Axel Ockenfels, Professor of Economics at the University of Cologne and Director at the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods in Bonn. As an internationally renowned economist with recognised expertise in governance, institutional economics, and strategic decision-making, he brings key qualifications for establishing an internationally oriented school of government.

The Deputy Director is Professor Markus Ogorek, Professor of Law at the University of Cologne and Director of the Institute for Public Law and Administrative Studies. Through his academic grounding in public law and his expertise at the intersection of the state, public administration, and constitutional order, he strengthens the School’s institutional and rule-of-law foundations.

Under their leadership, the School is becoming a place where interdisciplinary perspectives, world-class research, and practice-oriented teaching come together to develop sustainable responses to key societal, economic, and political challenges. Professor Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, Rector of the University of Cologne, emphasizes that the university – with its international top-tier research, outstanding teaching programs, and proximity to Brussels and Paris at the heart of Europe – is predestined for this exceptional initiative by the Alfred Landecker Foundation. “The generous grant allows us to bring internationally leading scholars to Cologne to develop solutions to urgent societal challenges and design forward-looking teaching concepts. My thanks go to the Alfred Landecker Foundation and its chairman Dr. Peter Harf for their extraordinary trust in our university.”

Impact on Society and Policymaking

Alongside the development of its academic and research programmes, the Adenauer School of Government will contribute to public debate and policymaking through its research. Public dialogue formats, high-level events, and close exchange with decision-makers will provide an appropriate framework for this engagement.

The ASG sees itself not only as an academic institution, but also as a catalyst for better governance and a bridge between academia, politics, and society. Its ambition is not merely to generate knowledge, but to create tangible impact — for a more capable democracy, stronger institutions, and responsible political leadership in Germany and Europe.