Making young voices heard

The 2025 Essay Prize awarded by the Centre for Liberal Modernity and WirtschaftsWoche magazine recognises incisive social science contributions to current social issues. The aim of the competition is to bring scientific analyses more strongly into the public discourse and, in particular, to offer a platform for young authors. Prognos and the non-profit Hertie Foundation jointly sponsor the prize. 

An interdisciplinary jury, which includes Prognos CEO Christian Böllhoff, evaluated the essays according to their analytical quality, originality and social relevance. At the award ceremony in December 2025, Christian Böllhoff opened the event with a welcoming address.

With this commitment, Prognos is strengthening the dialogue between science and society and supporting formats that convey social science perspectives in a clear and stimulating way.

Further information on the 2025 Essay Prize

Latest update: January 2026