Alumni Testimonials

Pierre d'Argent

"Whether in Berlinerstrasse where it used to be located for many years, or in the beautiful buildings in Neuenheimer Feld, the Institute is inescapably associated with its extraordinary library and the wealth of its collections. The online catalogue (OPAC), including the very useful "Systematik" are available to the world. Any serious scholar should make use of them - and stop by in Heidelberg."

Pierre d'Argent is Professor of Public International Law at the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) (July 2017).

Eliza Lvova

"The Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law brought a breath of fresh air into my academic research! As an international legal scholar from Ukraine, I consider MPIL to be the most contented and inspiring place for multilingual intellectual discourse and legal studies. I would like to give my sincere thanks for offering lectures, taught by globally renowned academics; services, provided in a highly equipped academic library and, especially - for a friendly support. MPIL is a platform to succeed academically by gaining experience, excellence and esteem worldwide!"

Eliza Lvova is employed at the National Academy of Public Administration, Odessa Office for the President of Ukraine (July 2017).

Wolfgang Münch

"The MPI in Heidelberg was the ideal address for me for having access to all documents and literature I needed to write a thesis on a subject of UNCLOS III. Furthermore, it has turned out as the birthplace of a comprehensive and well-functioning network of colleagues which I met again at later stages of my career at different duty stations such as Bonn, New York, Geneva, Berlin, Nicosia, Moscow and  - in particular - at the annual meeting of Alumnae and Alumni in Heidelberg."

Until his retirement Wolfgang Münch worked at the Finance Department of the German Embassy in Moscow.

Niels Petersen

"The Max Planck Institute is known for its fantastic library. But the library is really just an excuse to bring together great people from all over the world to have animated and inspiring discussions about international law."

Niels Petersen is Professor of Public Law, International Law and EU Law at the University of Münster (July 2017).

Ernst-Ulrich Petersmann

"Looking back at my 6 years as research assistant of Professors Mosler and Bernhardt at the Heidelberg MPI (1972-1978), the MPI remains one of the most stimulating research institutes on international law due to its comparative, constitutional approach and its attraction for the best international lawyers and legal practitioners from all over the world. Ad multos annos – also for the MPI’s most intelligent football team composed of professors and judges transforming their academic talents into the most sophisticated soccer competition."

Ernst-Ulrich Petersmann is Emeritus Professor of International and European Law at the European University Institute in Florence (July 2017).

Ignacio de la Rasilla del Moral

"The MPI in Heidelberg is one of the essential ports of call for research on the history of international law worldwide. The MPI in Heidelberg has been one of the major contributors to the renaissance of history writing in international law for the past decades and it remains at the forefront of the historical turn in international law today."

Ignacio de la Rasilla del Moral is Senior Lecturer in Law (Public International Law) at Brunel Law School, Brunel University London (July 2017).

Pavel Šturma

"The Max Planck Institute and Heidelberg is a great place for any international lawyer - not only because of the famous Institute and its library, excellent conditions for research, but also thanks to discussion meetings (Referentenbesprechung). Last but not least, it is a stimulating environment and opportunity to meet colleagues and make friends."

Pavel Šturma is Professor and Head of the Department of International Law, Faculty of Law of the Charles University in Prague (July 2017).

Anne Trebilcock

"I was privileged to be part of the editorial team of the print version of the Encyclopaedia of Public International Law, under the wonderful leadership of Prof. Rudolf Bernhardt, in the 1980s. I remain very grateful for the breadth of knowledge gained at the Max Planck Institute. It helped me in my work at the UN Specialized Agency, the International Labour Organization, where I ended my career there as the Legal Adviser/Director of Legal Services. The MPIL experience continues to serve me well in my current dispute resolution work in international organizations, including as a judge on the Asian Development Bank Administrative Tribunal."

Anne Trebilcock is a member of the Asian Development Bank Administrative Tribunal (July 2017).