Department of Law

European Legal Studies Institute (ELSI)


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Welcome at the European Legal Studies Institute

About the Institute


The central focus of the European Legal Studies Institute lies on research concerning the law of the European Union, the laws of its Member States and the interactions between the two levels. The scope of research includes also public international law and conflicts of laws. The overarching aim is to understand the specific characteristics of this unique legal area, to promote its integration, to initiate new developments and to provide analytical expertise.

With its excellent scientific infrastructure, in particular the renowned research library, the European Legal Studies Institute is a focal point for scholars from all over Europe and beyond. A unique feature of the Institute is the great experience of its scholars in building European research networks. On the basis of comparative research, the working groups initiated by the Institute have elaborated important works of reference on European law, which have attracted attention beyond Europe.

As an independent research institution, the Institute makes its expertise available to public institutions in Germany and abroad. In particular, the Institute's researchers regularly advise the European Commission and the European Parliament on important legislative projects.

Key areas of research


The Institute, which was founded in 2003 by Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Christian von Bar, FBA, MAE and Prof. Dr. Jens-Peter Schneider (now at the University of Freiburg i.Br.) has structured its research into three key areas:

Division 1: European Private Law, Private International Law and Comparative Law
(Director: Prof. Dr. Christoph Busch)

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Christian von Bar, FBA, MAE (Professor emeritus)

Prof. Dr. Christoph Busch, Maître en Droit

Division 2: European Public Law and Comparative Law
(Director: Prof. Dr. Oliver Dörr)

Prof. Dr. Oliver Dörr, LL.M. (London)

Prof. Dr. Thomas Groß

Division 3: European Legal History and EU Private Law
(Director: Prof. Dr. Hans Schulte-Nölke)

Prof. Dr. Hans Schulte-Nölke, MAE

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. (Ternopil) Fryderyk Zoll

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