Over 600 new students are starting their studies at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) this week. The induction week started on 22 September and culminated in the enrolment ceremony on 25 September. In bright sunshine, the event was characterised by a cheerful and friendly atmosphere - supported by the great commitment of the students, who warmly welcomed the new arrivals with a variety of hands-on activities as part of the popular Freshers' Rally.

Mayor Götz Herrmann, HNEE President Prof Dr Matthias Barth and the student vice presidents Pia Witte and Silas Gronbach addressed the first-semester students with motivating words of welcome. In his keynote speech, Markus Power from the Greenpeace Germany education team emphasised the importance of networking, visionary thinking and the courage to take action.

In his speech, University President Barth presented the Eberswalde Study Model - a "toolbox" that accompanies students throughout their studies. At its core is the so-called Eberswalde DNA: an integrative approach that takes a holistic view of skills acquisition. The aim is not only to teach sustainable development as course content, but to anchor it as an attitude in all degree programmes and in the university culture. Barth emphasised that studying is not just about acquiring knowledge. Rather, a comprehensive bundle of skills is required for a successful sustainable transformation - from interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary thinking to design competence and practical implementation skills.
The model is characterised by three closely interlinked lines of development: sustainability in the curriculum, future-proof learning spaces and new, individually supportive forms of learning support. According to Barth, this is accompanied by a profound cultural change: teaching staff are developing their teaching further and all status groups at the university are involved in the process. "Sustainable transformation will only succeed if we combine knowledge with attitude, reflection and creative expertise," emphasised Barth.

Step by step, the features of the Eberswalde study model are being anchored in all degree programmes and have been organisationally supported by the newly introduced department-school model since March 2025 as part of the internal structural reform.

The Sustainability Award of the City of Eberswalde was presented for the sixth time as part of the enrolment ceremony. The winner is Maximilian Eisele, a graduate of the Master's study programme Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation. His Master's thesis "Workplace Democracy: An approach to overcoming challenges in succession planning and management" impressed the jury with its scientific basis, high practical transfer potential and innovative focus on social aspects of sustainability. Ilja Haub, Head of the Department of Building and Urban Development, emphasised in his laudatory speech that Eisele's work is of great value not only for the economy, but also for urban development.

The DAAD Prize 2025 was also awarded to Bernadette Ekua Bedua Afful, a Master's student on the Biosphere Reserves Management degree programme. Born in Ghana, she was honoured for her outstanding academic achievements and her many years of voluntary work - both at HNEE and in international projects ranging from digital skills development to UNESCO networks.

Joseph Munyaradzi Dewa, a Master's student on the Biosphere Reserves Management degree programme, created a special atmosphere at the matriculation ceremony. He accompanied the programme with vocals, guitar and kalimba. He has been studying at HNEE since 2022 and has now found a new home in Eberswalde. His academic career began with a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences in Zimbabwe, followed by a Master's degree course in Environmental Protection at the partner university Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry in Vietnam. He finally came to HNEE as an exchange student - and has since enriched both the international university community and cultural life in a special way.

The current evaluation of application and enrolment figures confirms the attractiveness of HNEE. While demand in the Bachelor's programme remains stable, there is a clear upward trend in the Master's programme: Applications rose from 602 (2024/25) to 842 (2025/26), an increase of around 40 per cent. The number of enrolments also increased in both areas.

With the enrolment ceremony, inspiring speeches and awards for outstanding commitment, HNEE started the winter semester 2025/26 full of energy. The university is sending out a clear signal: Sustainability, practice-orientated teaching and international networking are not just guiding principles, but lived reality - and the new students are invited to actively help shape this path.