Entering the second funding phase

On 13 October 2025, the Käte Hamburger Kolleg ‘Legal Unity and Pluralism’ marked the start of its second funding phase (2025–2029). At an event held at the University of Münster's Geomuseum, fellows and alumni, colleagues from the faculties, partners and friends, along with an interested audience, came together to celebrate what has been achieved and what lies ahead.

In their welcoming remarks, Directors Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ludwig and Prof. Dr. Nora Markard recalled what makes the Käte Hamburger Kollegs so special: Through them, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) supports innovative, international, and interdisciplinary cutting-edge research by creating ‘freedom for the humanities.’ This is particular beneficial or the ten or so fellows per semester who come to the Kolleg from all over the world with their projects.

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Michael Quante, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Transfer and Sustainability, took up this idea in his welcoming address. He emphasised the excellent research conditions at the Kolleg that benefit all those involved as well as the university. With regard to the research and transfer activities to date, he praised the fact that the Kolleg offers ‘differentiated thinking instead of simplistic answers.’

The keynote speech was given by legal historian Prof. Dr. Miloš Vec from the University of Vienna. He shed light on the development of German international law scholarship since the 19th century, which became politicised and radicalised in the 1930s. Discredited by its proximity to Nazi foreign policy and warfare, attempts were made in West Germany after 1945 to establish an apolitical international law, while in the GDR ideologisation continued under different circumstances.

The lecture provided ample material for discussions at the reception that followed in the atmospheric rooms of the Geomuseum.

The start of the new funding phase has been made – now everyone is looking forward to an inspiring research programme and numerous new fellows in the coming years.

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