Research Network Democracy and Human Rights

Research Network  Democracy and Human Rights

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Strenghtening democracy. Protecting human rights.

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.

Fostering 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).

Johannes Hloch

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.

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.

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.

More about the Semester Question