Reinhard Zimmermann

Reinhard Zimmermann is a Full Professor of Law with current affiliations including:

• Honorary Professor, School of Law, University of Edinburgh (2014–present)
• Affiliate Professor, Bucerius Law School (2008–present)
• Academic Member and Director, Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law (2002–present)

He studied law at the University of Hamburg (1972–1976), earned his doctorate there in 1978, and was admitted to the Hamburg Bar in 1979.

His research focuses on comparative and historical legal studies, particularly:

• Law of obligations and succession
• Common law vs. civil law systems
• Mixed legal systems (e.g., Scotland, South Africa)
• Harmonization of European private law

Scientific honors include:

• Leibniz Prize (2006)
• Multiple honorary doctorates (1997–2010)
• Membership in prestigious academies

Administrative roles:

• Dean at University of Cape Town and Regensburg
• Chairman of Max Planck Society's Humanities Division (2006–2010)
• Chairman of the Association of Professors of Private Law (2011–present)
• President of the German National Academic Foundation (2011–present)
• Chairman of the Association of Comparative Law (2014–present)