Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe

By Team WissensSpuren und GWZO

The Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe (GWZO) focuses its research on the region spanning the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Adriatic Sea. Covering the period from the late Roman Empire to the present day, it examines the characteristics, transformations, and interrelations of this region within an increasingly globalized world. At GWZO, experts from various humanities disciplines and scholarly traditions collaborate. The institute shares its research findings with specialists and the public through academic and non-academic books, exhibitions, events, and digital knowledge resources. This helps to shed light on both historical and contemporary developments in Eastern Europe.

Education and Research

The Leibniz Institute is distinguished by its broad research spectrum and interdisciplinary approach, covering the period from the late Roman Empire to the present. GWZO’s foundational research integrates methods and concepts from archaeology, medieval studies, literary studies, Eastern European studies, and history (particularly cultural, political, economic, social, legal, and science history, as well as climate, environmental, and global history). It also draws on art and architectural history and interdisciplinary cultural studies. Additionally, scientific approaches are incorporated.

The broad spectrum of research topics and the transdisciplinarity of its research distinguish the research of the GWZO in relation to other institutes in Germany and across the world.

Outreach

For many years, the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe (GWZO) has been developing ways to share its research with the public such as curated film series and engaging science cinema, informative podcast programs on research topics, and both large and small exhibitions displayed in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions in Germany and around the world. Naturally, this work also produces books: academic and non-academic publications, comprehensive handbooks, and instructive reference works. Additionally, the institute organizes events such as conferences, workshops for diverse audiences, and educational programs—from university courses to summer and winter schools for young researchers and “science events” for the entire city. The GWZO is renowned not only in Central Germany’s academic community but also beyond, especially in its research regions. The institute is also home to the largest specialized library on Eastern and Central Europe in the eastern federal states of Germany. We look forward to your visit!