Michael Kißener

Prof. Dr. Michael Kißener is a University Professor for Contemporary History at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2002. His work focuses on German judicial history, National Socialism, and regional contemporary history. He earned his doctorate in 1991 and habilitation in 2000 at the University of Karlsruhe. His research explores legal institutions under Nazism, post-war Franco-German reconciliation, and regional governance dynamics.

Education: Studied History/German Studies/Education at the University of Bonn (1982–1987), State Examination (1987), and doctorate (1991). Previously led the 'Resistance Research Center' in Karlsruhe (1992–2002).

Research interests span judicial reform post-1945, Catholic Church roles during the Third Reich, and the memorialization of legal figures. Recent publications analyze Nazi-era legal systems, student movements in post-war Germany, and regional political structures under National Socialism.

Supervised numerous theses on topics like military youth education in WWI and the decriminalization of homosexuality in West Germany. His work bridges academic history with public engagement, including corporate and municipal histories.