Liechtenstein and Switzerland – in particular the Canton of Zurich – have maintained diverse and close and excellent relations for more than a hundred years. Due to the closely intertwined economic and legal system, the University of Liechtenstein and the University of Zurich – especially the UZH associated Europa Institut (EIZ) – have long maintained a close exchange. The EIZ, founded in 1992, is one of the leading competence centers for European law.
On the occasion of his lecture yesterday at the University of Zurich on the topic of «Challenges and Opportunities of Small States», HSH Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein announced the signing of a letter of intent of UZH, EIZ and the University of Liechtenstein for the foundation of a Liechtenstein Institute (LIE-UZH) at the University of Zurich. The aim is to intensify and institutionalize the scientific cooperation between the three institutions in the field of education and research.
Liechtenstein Institute (LIE-UZH) becomes associated institute at the University of Zurich
The initiative for this academic alliance goes back to Andreas Kellerhals, Director of the EIZ, and Klaus Tschütscher, President of the University Council of the University of Liechtenstein. The Liechtenstein Institute will be operated as an associated institute at the University of Zurich with headquarters at the Europa Institute at the University of Zurich and integrated into the infrastructure of the EIZ. The institute will be established in the legal form of a Liechtenstein foundation with legal domicile in Liechtenstein and an office in Zurich and, like the start of the Institute's operations, is planned for spring 2022.
Platform and coordination framework for joint academic teaching and research
As Klaus Tschütscher emphasized, «cooperation and networking at eye level are part of the recipe for success of a small university.» On the one hand, the new Liechtenstein Institute is to serve as a platform for public events, discussions, seminars, publications both in Zurich and in Liechtenstein. On the other hand, it is to function as a coordination framework for academic teaching and research, in which existing and future courses at the Universities of Zurich and Liechtenstein will be combined and coordinated in an interdisciplinary manner. The newly founded institute will coordinate its activities with the existing Center for Liechtenstein Law at the University of Zurich in order to achieve desired synergies.
After initial start-up funding, it is envisaged that the newly founded Liechtenstein Institute (LIE-UZH) will be self-supporting. The management will be entrusted to a largely honorary and equally staffed governing body which is appointed by the Board of Trustees, as well as an Institute Council, which is composed of personalities from the participating universities, the economy and other partners. This governing body will be responsible for the strategic orientation and the focal points of the work of the LIE-UZH.