Dr.-lng. habil. Dr. phil. Dr. h.c. Sabine Kunst is a German engineering scientist, university professor and politician. Holding dual doctorates in engineering and political science, she achieved her habilitation in civil engineering and surveying at the University of Hannover in 1990.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Sabine Kunst has actively engaged in science policy, where she held key leadership roles at several academic institutions. Notably, between 2005 and 2007, she served as the Director of International Affairs and as Vice President for Teaching, Studies, and Continuing Education at the University of Hannover. Subsequently, from 2007 to 2012, she held the position of President at the University of Potsdam.
In 2010, Sabine Kunst took over the lead of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a testament to her commitment to fostering international exchanges of researchers and students. Sabine Kunst then ventured into politics, serving as the Minister for Science, Research, and Culture in the state of Brandenburg from 2011 to 2016. Her impact continued at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, where she served as President from 2016 to 2021.
Since 2022, Sabine Kunst has taken on the role of Chairwoman of the Board at the Hamburg-based Joachim Herz Foundation, further solidifying her commitment to fostering positive change.
She is a widely respected advisor on science policy and academia and is the chair of the Bayreuth and Bielefeld University Councils.

At THE NEW INSTITUTE, Sabine Kunst contributes her expertise as a member of the Board of Trustees.