Christoph Safferling

Professor Dr. Christoph Safferling, LL.M. (LSE) holds the Chair for Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, International Criminal Law and Public International Law at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nuremberg since 2015. Prior to this position, he served as a professor at Philipps-Universität Marburg from 2007-2015. Since March 2023, he has been Director of the International Nuremberg Principles Academy, continuing his longstanding engagement with international criminal justice. His academic career includes significant appointments such as being a Whitney R. Harris International Law Scholar at the Robert H. Jackson Center and membership in various important commissions including the Independent Academic Commission for the Critical Study of the National Socialist Past at the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Professor Safferling's research interests focus on Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, International Criminal Law, and Public International Law with particular emphasis on historical legal issues related to Nazi-era crimes, the Nuremberg Trials, and transitional justice. His extensive publication record demonstrates expertise in war crimes prosecution, the development of international criminal law, and the intersection of historical events with contemporary legal frameworks. He has made significant contributions to understanding how past atrocities inform present-day legal mechanisms for accountability.

His scholarly work shows a consistent focus on the evolution of international criminal justice, particularly examining the legacy of the Nuremberg Trials, prosecution of Nazi-era crimes, and contemporary challenges in international criminal law. Recent publications address current issues including the Ukraine conflict before the International Criminal Court, genocide allegations, and the application of international criminal law to modern conflicts.

• Habilitation Award (Konrad Keller Prize) 2006
• Preis für gute Lehre recognizing excellence in teaching, awarded by the Bavarian Minister for Science, Research and the Arts, 2006

Professor Safferling has supervised numerous doctoral students whose research focuses on international criminal law, war crimes, and transitional justice. His leadership extends to various institutional roles, including serving as Director of the International Nuremberg Principles Academy since 2023 and membership on scientific advisory boards for institutions focused on historical memory and human rights education. His work bridges academic scholarship with practical engagement in international justice mechanisms.