Bernhard Ehrenzeller

Bernhard Ehrenzeller (born September 5, 1953 in St. Gallen) is a retired Full Professor of Public Law and former President of the University of St. Gallen (HSG, 2020–2024). He holds academic and administrative roles in legal education and governance. His career includes legal practice, research, and policy-making in Swiss constitutional and educational law.

Education: Studied law at the University of Fribourg (graduated 1977), completed a dissertation on diocesan governance (1984, awarded the Professor Walther Hug Prize), and habilitation in comparative law (1993).

Research & Expertise: Specializes in public law, federalism, direct democracy, and legal reform. Played key roles in drafting Switzerland’s Federal Constitution (1999), Education Constitution (2006), and Higher Education Act (2011). Active in legal practice, including advising federal officials and serving as a judge on Liechtenstein’s Constitutional Court (2011–2019).

Awards:

• Professor Walther Hug Prize (1984)

Administration & Leadership: Director of the Institute of Legal Studies and Legal Practice (IRP-HSG, 1998–2020), Vice-President for Research (2003–2011), and President of HSG (2020–2024). Known for institutional governance and academic policy.

Labs/Teams: Led the IRP-HSG, fostering interdisciplinary legal research and practice.