Dedo Doku and Habibe Kaya Receive Inaugural Gardener of Governance™ Award for Contributions to Internal Audit Thought Leadership

Recognizing Emerging Talent in Governance and Internal Audit

The Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz has launched a significant initiative to cultivate future leaders in the internal audit and governance fields with the introduction of The Gardener of Governance™ Award. This new accolade celebrates exceptional student work within the university's Governance & Internal Auditing Masterclass. The inaugural recipients, Dedo Doku and Habibe Kaya, have been recognized for their insightful contributions, signaling a commitment to fostering critical thinking and innovative ideas among the next generation of professionals.

Award-Winning Research Shaping the Future of the Profession

Dedo Doku's 2024 paper, "Cultivating Governance: The Ethos of Internal Audit," and Habibe Kaya's 2025 paper, "Relational Coordination Theory: Outcomes for the GRC Arena," were lauded for their relevance and depth. Doku's work delves into the fundamental principles guiding internal audit, emphasizing its ethical core, while Kaya's research explores the application of relational coordination theory to enhance Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks. These papers demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to complex challenges within the assurance landscape.

Bridging Academia and Professional Practice

A key aspect of this award is the commitment to disseminating these valuable insights to a broader audience. Plans are underway to explore opportunities for publishing both award-winning papers in peer-reviewed journals, a move that will allow these student contributions to influence professional discourse and practice. This academic-to-practice pipeline is crucial for ensuring that fresh perspectives and rigorous research findings are integrated into the evolving methodologies and strategies of internal audit and assurance. The support from Prof. Christopher Koch and the Würth Group further highlights the collaborative effort to advance the field.

Cultivating Future Audit Leaders

The essence of The Gardener of Governance™ Award lies in its mission to encourage young professionals to develop their unique voices and contribute meaningfully to the future of governance. By providing a platform for critical thought and innovative research, the award aims to equip emerging talent with the skills and confidence to address the complex demands of modern governance. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder that the continuous growth and evolution of the internal audit profession depend on nurturing new ideas and empowering those who will lead it forward.