Michael Zürn

Michael Zürn is Director at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center and Professor of International Relations at Free University Berlin. He served as Founding Dean of the Hertie School of Governance (2004–2009) and currently holds leadership roles in academic and civil society institutions.

Research Focus: His work examines international institutions and their impact on political order, particularly in regime emergence, effectiveness, compliance, and legitimacy. He explores the legalization and constitutionalization of global governance, often collaborating with legal scholars.

Scientific Awards & Honors:

• Summer Institute Co-Director (1995-1996)
• Norwegian Academy of Social Sciences Fellow (1999)
• Major Reward by German Research Association (2002)
• Sparkasse Bremen Award (2003)
• Honorary Member of CRC 597, University of Bremen (2007)
• Full Member of Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences (2008)
• First Honorary Fellow, Hertie School of Governance (2010)

Academic Leadership & Service: He has chaired advisory boards for clusters like 'Normative Orders,' contributed to editorial boards of journals such as International Organizations and Global Governance, and held leadership roles in civil society organizations like the Development and Peace Foundation.