Ellen Heinrichs is the founder of the Bonn Institute and initiator of the b° future festival. The journalist is an internationally recognized voice on the future of journalism and constructive dialogue. In 2025, she received a special award as “Journalist of the Year” from the jury of Germany’s medium magazin. As CEO of the Bonn Institute, she works to advance journalism that puts people at the center. Before founding the Bonn Institute, she helped shape Deutsche Welle’s digital transformation and the development of DW Akademie, while driving innovation and cultural change at Germany' international broadcaster. Ellen began her career at the regional publisher Rheinische Post and later worked with international organizations before joining Deutsche Welle. She was the only German fellow at the Constructive Institute in Denmark. She is also a trained mediator and Solutions Journalism trainer.
With Ellen Heinrichs, Peter Lindner, Christine Badke, Anja von Cysewski, Benjamin Fuchs, Mehregan Behrouz, Anna Breithausen, Hannes Kappler, Mirella Murri and Alexander Voß
Don’t miss the chance to say goodbye to new friends before the festival comes to an end.
With Ellen Heinrichs, Peter Lindner, Christine Badke, Anja von Cysewski, Mehregan Behrouz, Benjamin Fuchs, Anna Breithausen, Mirella Murri, Hannes Kappler and Alexander Voß
Wrap up the day with good conversations, new connections and a relaxed atmosphere. Join fellow participants, speakers and partners for an evening of music, drinks and networking.
Mit Ellen Heinrichs, Petra Pinzler and Dr. Stefan Schmitt
Sie ist das Buzzword für unsere düstere Gegenwart, die Polykrise. Die ZEIT widmet ihr seit beinahe vier Jahren einen ganzen „Krisendpodcast“. Ellen Heinrichs spricht mit den beiden Hosts über die Frage, wie trotz aller Krisen Journalismus die Lösungen nicht aus dem Blick verliert.
With Ellen Heinrichs, Mitali Mukherjee and Karlijn Goossen
AI is forcing journalism to change – but is journalism changing the way it leads? Mitali Mukherjee and Ellen Heinrichs join Karlijn Goossens for a candid conversation about uncertainty, organizational culture and who actually leads when nobody has the answer.
With Ellen Heinrichs, Guido Déus, Markus Beckedahl, Benjamin Fuchs, Anja von Cysewski, Christine Badke, Peter Lindner, Mirella Murri, Hannes Kappler and Alexander Voß
Welcome to the b° future festival 2026! Come by, join the festival community, and enjoy some snacks and a drink.
With Jakob Moll and Ellen Heinrichs
What makes Zetland so successful? The Danish membership-driven newsroom is redefining journalism through deep listening, dialogue, and transparency. Learn how their model took off in Finland.
With Ellen Heinrichs, Markus Beckedahl and Katja Dörner
Come by, join the festival community, and enjoy some snacks and a drink!
With Prof. Dr. Katja Ehrenberg, Margarida Alpuim, Ellen Heinrichs and Peter Lindner
Come with us on a journey exploring Bonn Institute’s recent book publication „Psychology for Journalists”! In a blend of impulse talk and experiential learning, you get a sneak preview on principles of information processing, biases in judgment, and how these affect engagement. We provide research-based practical tools that facilitate a constructive mindset in daily work and empower journalists and audiences alike. The session is presented by the authors, who are happily available for discussions afterwards. Ellen Heinrichs, Bonn Institute founder and CEO, will give an introduction.
With Ellen Heinrichs, Markus Beckedahl and Sham Jaff
- More details will follow soon -
With Kübra Gümüşay, Markus Beckedahl and Ellen Heinrichs
The grand opening of the inaugural b° future festival for journalism and constructive dialogue is here! Why is a journalism festival that gazes into the future, ignites hope, and celebrates diversity more crucial than ever, especially in times of crisis? Why are we opening the doors of much of our program to the very people we work for – our fantastic audience? Listen to what Ellen Heinrichs, Markus Beckedahl and Kübra Gümüsay have got to say!