About
The International Academy of Comparative Law / Académie internationale de droit compare (IACL/AIDC), founded in The Hague in 1924, was born out of the conviction that law could foster peace and mutual understanding in the aftermath of the First World War. Bringing together jurists from across the globe, the Academy has since become a unique forum where different legal traditions meet, and where the comparative study of law is advanced as both a scholarly discipline and a practical tool for reform.
Today, the Academy counts more than seven hundred members, who collaborate through national committees and regular international congresses. These gatherings, and the publications they generate, offer a comprehensive view of legal developments worldwide and make the Academy an indispensable reference point for comparative scholarship. By encouraging dialogue across borders and legal systems, the Academy continues to serve its founding mission: to enrich legal understanding, support reform, and strengthen the ties between peoples through law. For more information on the Academy, visit their website.
Every four years, the Academy's General Congress brings together scholars from around the world to exchange insights and shape the field’s future, discussing all areas of law in a comparative framework. It not only encompasses the full spectrum of legal disciplines but also engages with broader scientific, social, and global debates. As such, it addresses academics and practitioners alike. In each Congress, around thirty topics – which are previously selected through a vote of the Academy’s members - are explored in panels which provide perspectives from across jurisdictions. The local organiser creates additional events and activities providing regional context. In this way, the Congress fosters genuine international exchange among legal scholars, encourages methodological innovation, and reflects emerging developments in diverse legal systems.
Since its beginnings in 1924 in The Hague, th Congress has gradually extended its reach across the globe. Initially convened in Europe until 1970, it has since been hosted on nearly every continent, with venues including Sydney (1986), Fukuoka (2018), and Asunción (2022). This worldwide presence underscores the Academy’s vocation as a truly international community of comparative law. In 2026, the 22nd General Congress will take place in Berlin - only the second time Germany is hosting, following Hamburg in 1962. For more info on the programme which awaits you in Berlin, please consult our Programme Section.
The 22nd General Congress is hosted by the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, a truly unique venue. Founded in 1810, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with a strong tradition of excellence in law, the humanities, and the sciences. Its Faculty of Law holds a prominent place in German and European scholarship, particularly in comparative and international perspectives on law. Situated at the historic Unter den Linden campus in the heart of Berlin, it embodies both tradition and openness, offering a vibrant setting for intellectual exchange. As host institution, it provides not only academic credibility but also an inspiring environment for dialogue among scholars from all parts of the world. We are looking forward to welcoming you here!
Find out more about the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Law faculty.
The coordination of the Congress lies with Professor Dr. Dr. Dr. h.c. Stefan Grundmann, LL.M. (Berkeley), Professor of Private and Business Law at Humboldt-Universität. His research covers European contract and company law, comparative private law, and transnational legal theory. Professor Grundmann has long been engaged in leading academic networks, research initiatives, and editorial boards, making him a central figure in shaping debates across legal systems. He has an extensive experience in coordinating international projects, and scholarly exchange such as the European Law School, an integrated European legal education in the network of eight capital law schools (Paris 2, King's College London, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin as founding universities, Università Rom La Sapienza, Universiteit van Amsterdam, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Universidade Católica Portuguesa and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) - to only cite one example. Please consult Prof. Dr. Dr. Dr. h.c. Stefan Grundmanns page to find about more about his projects and research.
The Congress is committed to sustainability in both its organisation and practice. Efforts will be made to minimise environmental impact by reducing printed materials, encouraging the use of public transport, and offering mostly organic and seasonal catering options. At the same time, the event seeks to foster a culture of responsibility and awareness, recognising that scholarly exchange and sustainability must go hand in hand in shaping the future of global cooperation.
