LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUR EUROPAISCHE GESCHICHTE

Their core work

The Leibniz Institute for European History (IEG) in Mainz is a leading German research institute specializing in the history of religion, politics, and society in Europe from the early modern period onward. Their H2020 work centers on two tracks: building shared digital infrastructure for religious studies research across Europe, and investigating how religious toleration and peace-making have shaped European coexistence. They bring deep expertise in historical analysis of religious conflict resolution — knowledge with direct relevance to understanding contemporary pluralism and cultural policy.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

With all three projects starting in 2018-2019, IEG's H2020 participation is concentrated in a narrow window rather than showing a long evolution. Their trajectory moves from infrastructure-building (ReIReS in 2018, providing foundational research tools) toward more thematic and applied research (RETOPEA's focus on religious peace treaties and education). The recent keyword cluster around peace treaties, co-existence, and religious education suggests a sharpening focus on the societal relevance of historical religious studies.

IEG is moving from building research tools toward producing policy-relevant historical analysis on religious tolerance — expect future work connecting historical lessons to contemporary integration and pluralism debates.

How they like to work

IEG operates exclusively as a consortium participant, never leading projects, which is typical for a specialized humanities institute contributing deep domain expertise to larger collaborative efforts. With 25 unique partners across 15 countries from just 3 projects, they work in broad European consortia and maintain a wide network rather than repeating partnerships. This suggests they are a trusted specialist that different project coordinators seek out for their specific historical and religious studies expertise.

Despite only three projects, IEG has built a remarkably wide network of 25 partners across 15 countries, reflecting the pan-European nature of religious studies infrastructure. Their connections span the continent, likely linking major university libraries, archives, and humanities research centers.

What sets them apart

IEG occupies a rare niche at the intersection of European history, religious studies, and research infrastructure — few organizations combine all three. As a Leibniz Association institute, they carry institutional credibility and long-term research continuity that project-based teams cannot match. For any consortium addressing religious heritage, cultural coexistence, or the historical roots of European identity, IEG brings both the scholarly depth and the infrastructure connections to be a high-value partner.

Highlights from their portfolio

• RETOPEA
  Largest project (EUR 405K) with the richest thematic scope — religious peace treaties, co-existence, and education — representing IEG's core intellectual mission.
• RESILIENCE
  Part of a major European effort to build permanent research infrastructure for religious studies, positioning IEG within a lasting institutional network beyond single project cycles.