November 12, 2025 – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) is proud to announce the establishment of a new International Research Center on Democracy, Security, and Human Rights, in collaboration with the Max Planck Society, Germany’s leading research organization. 

The agreement was formally signed on November 11, 2025, at a ceremony held at the Hebrew University. This new Center will join an exclusive network of 19 Max Planck Centers worldwide, all hosted by top-tier universities. It will be the only Max Planck Center in Israel, underscoring HU’s position as a global leader in legal and social science research. 

The Center is being established in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute in Freiburg for the Study of Crime, Security, and Law. In Jerusalem, it will operate within the framework of the Minerva Center for Human Rights at the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Law. With a total budget of 5 million Euros (approx. $6 million USD) over five years, the Center will host an interdisciplinary doctoral and postdoctoral program, nurturing a new generation of scholars in these fields. 

The Center will be jointly led by Prof. Barak Medina, a former Rector of HU, and Prof. Ralf Poscher, Director of the Max Planck Institute in Freiburg. 

“The establishment of this Center comes at a critical moment, as democracies worldwide face growing challenges to the rule of law and human rights, including in Israel,” said Prof. Barak Medina. “Through rigorous, interdisciplinary research and global collaboration, we aim to develop new frameworks for balancing security needs with the fundamental principles of democracy and human dignity.”

“This partnership reflects the shared commitment of the Max Planck Society and the Hebrew University to advancing knowledge that has real societal impact,” added Prof. Ralf Poscher. “Together, we will create a platform for scholars from around the world to explore how democratic institutions can remain resilient while addressing the complex challenges posed by security threats and social change.”

The launch of the Center marks a significant milestone in the Hebrew University’s international collaborations, reflecting its ongoing commitment to addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time. By bridging legal scholarship, analytical theory, policy analysis, and empirical research, the Center will contribute to the research on the protection of human rights amid security threats and social change. It will also further solidify HU’s standing as a global hub for democratic thought and innovation, and its role in strengthening the rule of law and human rights protection in Israel. 

Prof. Tamir Sheafer, President of Hebrew University, said, “At a time when liberal democracy is under strain worldwide, the new Max Planck Center for Democracy, Security, and Human Rights at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a timely and vital international hub for research and dialogue. We are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters, and in particular to our guest, Prof. Dr. Patrick Cramer, President of the Max Planck Society, whose tireless commitment has turned this vision into reality.”