Research
Profile
The institute is committed to advancing pioneering research and projects. We pride ourselves on being a hub of contact and exchange – an open laboratory for the discussion of issues and ideas, methods and theories. This openness is reflected in the work of our members, much of which is based on innovative, often cross-disciplinary, collaborations with colleagues in Lucerne or at other institutions at home and abroad.
The research undertaken at the institute spans local, national and international concerns in areas as diverse as law and technology, law and economics, legal history and law and humanities studies. Our core interest lies in exploring the conceptual foundations of law, its assumptions and aspirations, and its workings and effects in diverse social and cultural contexts, both historical and contemporary.
Each year, we run a varied schedule of lectures, seminars, workshops and conferences, together with a visiting fellow programme for young scholars. These activities enable us not only to foster a vibrant research community that brings together established and emerging academics, but to also consolidate existing national and international networks, and support new collaborations
Research Projects
The institute currently hosts the following major projects:
Imagining Justice: Law, Politics and Popular Visual Culture in Weimar Germany
SNSF Project, total funding CHF 655'498.-. Project Lead: Steven Howe
Funding & Opportunities
Since its beginnings, the institute has continually sought to promote emerging scholars. As we enter our third decade, we remain committed to providing intellectual space and support for junior researchers working critically and theoretically at the intersections of law, the humanities and the social sciences. Our goal is to attract a diverse group of engaged scholars who read and think widely across fields, contexts and disciplines, and to form with them a strong and vibrant research community.
We actively welcome enquiries from prospective researchers interested in conducting doctoral or postdoctoral work at the institute. Below is a list of possible funding opportunities with relevant links. Please note that most of these schemes require you to contact a potential supervisor in advance – a list of our staff can be found here. For preliminary enquiries, please contact Dr. Steven Howe (steven.howe@unilu.ch).
- Visiting Fellows (Funded)
The institute runs its own visiting fellows programme for PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. The scheme operates on a competitive basis through an annual call, usually published in June (for fellowships for the following calendar year). As a rule, fellows spend between one and two months at the institute, during which they enjoy access to our specialist resources, and are invited to share and develop their ideas in conversation with our members. Fellowships come with a fixed stipend as a contribution to living and accommodation costs, and return travel costs to Lucerne are covered. Further details here.
- Visiting Fellows (Self-funded)
Applications for self-funded fellowships at the institute are accepted and assessed on a rolling basis. The scheme runs in parallel to the funded visiting fellows programme and is open to PhD candidates and postdocs who wish to make a genuine contribution to the research environment at the institute. Please note that our ability to accommodate self-funded fellows is dependent on the availability of resources at any given time.
In addition to these internal schemes, we also welcome enquiries regarding potential applications for the following external funding programmes. Please note that it is the responsibility of the prospective applicant to check eligibility criteria and conditions.
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and collaboration. The scholarships are available to postgraduate researchers in any discipline who wish to come to Switzerland to pursue research at doctoral or postdoctoral level. Scholarships are awarded in three categories: research fellowship, PhD, Postdoc. Further details here.
- SNSF Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships
The SNSF Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships is a transitional scheme equivalent to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship, run by the SNSF on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. The programme offers fellowships for postdoctoral researchers of all nationalities for a period of 12 or 24 months. Further details here.
- SNSF Ambizione
Ambizione grants, awarded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), are aimed at junior researchers (Postdoc) who wish to conduct and lead an independent research project at a Swiss university or HE institution. The grant comprises the salary of the grantee plus project funds. The scheme is open to both Swiss and international researchers. Further details here.
