Deputy Director - German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)
Dr Simone Burkhart is Deputy Director at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin, where she leads strategic initiatives across organisational development, financial controlling, and digitalisation. With over 15 years of senior leadership experience, she supervises multiple teams and has specialised in organisational development, strategic financial planning, and digital innovation. Previously, she served as Head of Division at the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), overseeing scholarship policies and strategic planning for large-scale international education programs. Dr Burkhart holds a PhD in Political Science (summa cum laude) from the University of Cologne and has published on policy, governance, and the internationalisation of higher Education. Her expertise includes strategic visioning, change management, and stakeholder engagement in complex organisational environments.