1. Academic Organisation
The Institute is not divided into departments and does not structure the academic staff along fixed assignments. Rather, a flexible principle of organisation based upon regional units and subject specific units has proven itself appropriate for the aims of our research activities. By entrusting research fellows with different areas of knowledge, the Institute is able to guarantee itself the fundamental expertise in foreign law which is demanded by comparative legal research. Simultaneously, this adaptable structure ensures that the Institute can focus its energies upon individual research projects according to need. (more)
2. Services and Infrastructure
(1) Library
Presently comprising more than 500,000 volumes and representing the most comprehensive collection of its nature in all of Europe, the library is the most important tool for the academic work undertaken by the Institute and its numerous guests. The library’s total holdings are supplemented each year with roughly 10,000 new items. Additionally, the library presently subscribes to ca. 2,000 legal journals. Yearly the library welcomes more than 900 guests; approximately 500 of these individuals are short-term visitors with the remainder being afforded multiple-week research stays. A library service staff is present to attend to the needs of library guests.
(2) Editorial Services
The considerable degree of attention and academic oversight demanded by the Institute’s many publications is provided by the Directors as well as an array of research fellows working in various editorial groups. Further, a number of editorial secretaries support the editorial units and help transform article submissions into printer-ready texts.
Alongside traditional print media, the presentation of the Institute and its work over the Internet is assuming an ever-increasing significance. Led by a member of the academic staff, the editorial board for the internet oversees the Institute’s website and is also responsible for keeping current the Institute’s intranet, providing electronic information internally to the staff of the Institute. Entry of web content is supervised by an editorial staff member who also assists with the Institute’s public relations efforts. She is supported by a number of student assistants.
(3) Administration
Led by the head of administration, the human resources, maintenance and housekeeping, accounting and purchasing departments provide the directors with the support necessary for the administration of the Institute.
(4) IT Department
The IT department oversees the Institute's technical systems and ensures the problem-free functioning of the server, the network and the individual work stations. The department provides support and consultation to all researchers and staff members so as to promote the optimised use of all IT-maintained tools and systems. Alongside installation, updating, maintenance and repair, IT services include providing user support as relates to the everyday problems and questions associated with PC use in the office.