# Institute of Contemporary History Munich-Berlin > research institute **Wikidata**: [Q896552](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q896552) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Contemporary_History_(Munich)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-of-contemporary-history-munich-berlin ## Summary The Institute of Contemporary History Munich-Berlin (IfZ) is a leading German research institute specializing in the study of contemporary history, particularly National Socialism and the 20th century. Founded in 1949, it operates under the Leibniz Association and maintains archives and scholarly resources used by researchers worldwide. Its headquarters are located in Munich, with a secondary presence in Berlin. ## Key Facts - Founded in 1949 as a research institute focused on modern German and European history. - Operated under the Leibniz Association since its inception; part of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment as of 2023. - Located in Munich (Steglitz-Zehlendorf district), with coordinates at latitude 48.156866 and longitude 11.543356. - Current CEO and director is Andreas Wirsching, who has led the institute since 2011. - Maintains an extensive archive known as the Institute of Contemporary History – Archives. - Has been led by prominent historians including Martin Broszat, Helmut Krausnick, and Horst Möller over time. - Official website: [https://www.ifz-muenchen.de](https://www.ifz-muenchen.de) (in German). - Also known by several names including Deutsches Institut für Geschichte der nationalsozialistischen Zeit and Institut für Zeitgeschichte München–Berlin. ## FAQs ### Q: What does the Institute of Contemporary History Munich-Berlin focus on? A: The institute focuses on contemporary German and European history, especially the era of National Socialism and the 20th century. It conducts academic research and preserves historical documents through its archives. ### Q: Who runs the Institute of Contemporary History Munich-Berlin today? A: The current director and CEO is Andreas Wirsching, who took office in 2011. He leads the institute's operations and academic direction within the framework of the Leibniz Association. ### Q: Where can I find more information or access their archives? A: Information and access to publications and archives are available through the official website at [https://www.ifz-muenchen.de](https://www.ifz-muenchen.de), which also provides links to digital collections and contact details for researchers. ## Why It Matters The Institute of Contemporary History Munich-Berlin plays a critical role in preserving and interpreting one of the darkest chapters in human history—National Socialism and the Holocaust. As one of the foremost institutions dedicated to researching recent German history, it contributes significantly to public understanding, education, and academic discourse. By maintaining vast archival holdings and publishing authoritative works, the institute ensures that historical memory remains accurate and accessible. Its work supports scholars, educators, journalists, and policymakers globally, helping prevent historical amnesia and promoting informed civic engagement. In doing so, it serves both as a guardian of truth and a vital resource for democratic societies. ## Notable For - Being among the earliest post-war institutions established to scientifically examine National Socialist crimes and German history after WWII. - Housing one of the world’s largest specialized archives focusing on National Socialism and the resistance against it. - Publishing influential historical studies and source editions, such as those analyzing Nazi party structures and decision-making processes. - Hosting internationally recognized experts and contributing to major debates in historiography throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. ## Body ### Overview The Institute of Contemporary History Munich-Berlin (IfZ) was founded in 1949 with the mission to conduct rigorous scientific research into recent German and European history, particularly the period of National Socialism. It operates as a non-university research institution under the umbrella of the Leibniz Association, a network of independent research organizations in Germany. ### Historical Leadership Since its founding, the institute has been directed by some of the most distinguished historians of the 20th century: - Gerhard Kroll (1949–1951) - Hermann Mau (1951–1952) - Paul Kluke (1952–1959) - Helmut Krausnick (1959–1972) - Martin Broszat (1972–1989) - Ludolf Herbst (1989–1992) - Horst Möller (1992–2011) - Andreas Wirsching (2011–present) These leaders have shaped the institute’s reputation for scholarly rigor and commitment to historical accuracy. ### Structure and Affiliations The institute is based in Munich but maintains strong ties with Berlin. It is officially headquartered in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district and falls under the jurisdiction of the federal state of Germany. It is a member of the Leibniz Association and joined the international **Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment** in November 2023. It includes the **Institute of Contemporary History – Archives**, which holds millions of documents related to National Socialism, the German resistance movement, and post-war developments. ### Digital Presence and Outreach The institute actively engages with the public and academic community through various platforms: - Twitter/X handle: [@Leibniz_IfZ](https://twitter.com/Leibniz_IfZ) - YouTube channel ID: `UCHKZHHXK-Ck3MVyghOV9oGw` (active since May 2021) - Bluesky profile launched December 2024: `leibniz-ifz.bsky.social` Its website offers access to publications, databases, and educational materials primarily in German. ### International Recognition With identifiers like ISNI (`0000000123153876`), GND (`2014524-X`), ROR (`008pp7a77`), and GRID (`grid.461690.c`), the institute is well-integrated into global academic infrastructure. It collaborates with universities, museums, and memorial sites across Europe and beyond. ### Research Focus Areas Key areas of study include: - Origins and implementation of National Socialist policies - Perpetrators, victims, and bystanders during the Third Reich - Resistance movements inside and outside Germany - Post-war political culture and memory politics in Germany Through these efforts, the institute continues to shape how society understands and remembers key events of the 20th century. ## References 1. CiNii Research 2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20231109092552/https://coara.eu/coalition/membership/) 3. GRID Release 2017-04-04 4. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions 5. GERiT 6. Virtual International Authority File 7. FactGrid 8. YouTube API