Research Network Democracy and Human Rights

Georg Herder

The Research Network for Democracy and Human Rights at the University of Vienna brings together diverse academic expertise on democracy and human rights and connects researchers from different disciplines. Against the backdrop of a worldwide erosion of democratic structures, the network examines fundamental democratic principles and the threats they face. It also focuses on the complex interactions between majority decisions, minority protection, human rights and technological change.

As a central cooperation platform, the research network represents the strategic priority of culture, education, democracy both within and outside the university and raises awareness of the associated research. The network initiates new joint research projects, promotes international partnerships and actively communicates research results to politicians and society in line with the University of Vienna's third mission.

Key responsibilities

Pool expertise

The research network connects the diverse research activities on this topic at the University of Vienna, raises their profile and integrates existing knowledge and specialist expertise from the university and the participating partner institutions.
Contact point and visibility

The network represents the key research area both within and outside the University of Vienna and serves as a central point of contact for expert enquiries and public debates. At the same time, it strengthens Vienna's position as an international research location for democracy and human rights.
Cooperation and transfer

The network creates a reliable basis for joint research projects, collaborations and third-party funding applications. It promotes and supports national and international partnerships as well as knowledge transfer, particularly to the public sector and, where appropriate, to business and industry.
Dialogue with society

The research network intensifies exchange with society with the aim of increasing the public visibility and reputation of the University of Vienna both at home and abroad. Public events, media relations, policy briefings and formats such as the semester question provide impetus for society.

Objectives of the Research Network on Democracy and Human Rights

In the first phase of the project, the Democracy and Human Rights Research Network is pursuing specific goals in order to implement its mission and achieve a lasting impact:

Strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation

Researchers from various disciplines are brought together to promote new collaborations. The aim is to pool expertise and strengthen interdisciplinary research on democracy and human rights in all their dimensions, interrelationships and contradictions (for example, in the context of the rule of law, digital transformation or sovereignty).

Initiate joint research projects

Scientists at the University of Vienna and their national and international partners are supported in identifying key research questions and working on them in joint projects. The network helps to initiate successful third-party funded projects (e.g. Horizon Europe, FWF or new research platforms), from conception to implementation.

Promoting young talent and career development

The research network promotes young scientists in coordination with relevant doctoral schools. Through workshops, lecture series and other exchange formats, young researchers are encouraged to develop new ideas and broaden their research perspectives in order to strengthen their careers.

Knowledge transfer and public relations

Research findings are actively communicated to society. The network promotes dialogue with the public, the media, politicians and civil society actors. New impetus is provided, for example, through participation in the semester question, public events, policy briefings and targeted media work, in order to generate added value for politics and society.

News & Events

Current news, dates and event announcements are published regularly under News.

News and Events

Barbara Mair

Semester question for the summer semester 2026

Together with the Research Network Democracy and Human Rights, the University of Vienna's semester question for the summer semester 2026 will focus on what democracy and human rights promise us and why we need them. As always, the program will feature many exciting contributions and activities from various disciplinary perspectives and exchanges with the interested public.