A tradition of excellence: the long-standing ties between Münster and the STF are further consolidated

Left to right: Rosana Amara Giardi Fachin, Justice Edson Fachin, President of the STF, Prof. Dr. Niels Petersen, Faculty of Law of the University of Münster, Prof. Dr. Fernando Facury Scaff, Centre for Constitutional Studies of the STF, Unknown name and Prof. Dr. Christine Peters, Centre for Constitutional Studies of the STF
© Antonio Augusto/STF

The Faculty of Law at the University of Münster (UM) and the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil (STF) have taken their inter-institutional collaboration to a new level through a new cooperation agreement. The signing ceremony on 2 June 2026 marks a significant milestone in the academic and legal relationship between Münster and Brazil. Held at the Supreme Federal Court in Brasília, the ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from both institutions, including STF´s Chief Justice, Justice Edson Fachin; Prof. Dr Fernando Facury Scaff, Director of the STF’s Centre for Constitutional Studies (CESTF); and Prof. Dr Christine Oliveira Peter da Silva, CESTF´s Secretary-General. Prof. Dr Niels Petersen, of the Faculty of Law and board member of the Brazil Centre, represented the University of Münster on behalf of Dean Prof. Dr. Mark Deiters. He was supported by Cíntia Toth, Head of the Brazil Centre’s Liaison Office in São Paulo.

In his speech, STF President Justice Edson Fachin, highlighted the German university’s outstanding position, describing it as one of the most prestigious in the world. He went on to say that the agreement signed expands the academic cooperation between the STF and the German university, which has been in place since 2021, and strengthens the Supreme Court’s involvement in the international academic debate.

“Establishing a partnership with this institution was, and remains, a strategic decision. We are convinced that improving our constitutional practices necessarily requires dialogue with the leading centres of legal thought.” (Justice Edson Fachin)

For the University of Münster, the agreement also represents much more than a mere formality: it is the result of a deep-rooted academic connection spanning decades, which has bound the two institutions closely together long before this agreement was signed. “This cooperation agreement marks a significant milestone in the development of a partnership that has grown over recent years on the basis of mutual trust, intellectual curiosity and a shared commitment to the study and practice of law”, emphasised Prof. Petersen in his speech. A prominent example of this long-lasting synergy is Justice Gilmar Mendes, an alumnus of the University of Münster, who completed his doctorate under the supervision of the former Rector, Prof. Dr Hans-Uwe Erichsen.

Prof. Petersen also underlined the particular significance of the renewal of this agreement for the Faculty of Law, which once again formally links one of Europe’s most historic law faculties with one of the world’s most influential supreme courts.

“This partnership is of particular importance to the Faculty of Law at the University of Münster. As one of Germany’s leading law faculties, we have built up an extensive international network over many decades. Nevertheless, our collaboration with the Federal Court of Justice holds a special place within this network.” (Prof. Dr Niels Petersen)

The recently signed cooperation agreement builds on the achievements of the first partnership agreement from 2021 and institutionalises academic exchange and the mobility of researchers between both countries. The successful 'STF & WWU Webinar Series', organised in 2021, and the research stays undertaken under the initial agreement between the University of Münster (specifically the Faculty of Law) and the STF, demonstrated the value of this collaboration: “The first cooperation agreement signed between our institutions in 2021 has highlighted the enormous potential of this partnership,” said Prof. Dr Petersen.

This series of webinars during the pandemic discussed highly topical issues such as “COVID-19 and its impact on fundamental rights”, “Constitutional Courts and Countermajoritarian Protection” and “Digital Constitutionalism and Democracy”. In this new phase of the collaboration, the focus will shift to pressing global challenges, which will be explored through various joint activities. Key topics include issues relating to democratic resilience, the role of the courts, technological transformation, A.I and climate change. Tackling such challenges requires close cooperation across institutions.

The widespread enthusiasm surrounding preparations for the signing ceremony underscored the partnership´s strategic significance for both institutions. Two law students from the University of Münster will soon be travelling to Brasília to undertake an internship at the Federal Supreme Court and participate in related activities. This development follows on directly from the successful renewal of the partnership and highlights the two institution’s shared commitment to fostering international collaboration.

The Brazil Centre as strategic partner

The University of Münster, through its Brazil Centre, reaffirms its long-term commitment to cultivating strong ties with Brazil, an objective firmly embedded in the internationalisation strategy. As with the previous partnership agreement, the Brazil Centre acted as a key strategic partner for the Faculty of Law, enabling the successfully reactivation and advancement of ties with Brazil´s highest court. “From the very beginning, the Brazil Centre played a key role in establishing and maintaining relations between our institutions. Without its foresight, support and tireless commitment, our collaboration would not have been possible,” said Prof. Niels Petersen.