First-Person Report: Imen Gallala  

Where do you currently work?

I'm currently employed as a research fellow in the Department for the Laws of Islamic Countries at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law. The MPI for Private Law is dedicated to basic research in comparative law in the fields of foreign, European and international private law, commercial law, economic law and civil procedure. The MPI for Private Law analyses foreign legal systems and compares them both with German law and with each other. An important aim of the research undertaken by the MPI for Private Law is to examine possibilities for harmonising law. Particularly in a united Europe, against the backdrop of increasing globalisation and the attendant internationalisation of law, this is an important scientific task.

In my legal research I am currently examining the duty of obedience of wives to their husbands in north African countries and the question of whether differences in religion can be asserted as a bar to inheritance in these countries. In addition I am drawing up a fundamental legal comparative analysis between Egypt and Tunisia. My work at the institute also involves preparing expert reports on the laws of Islamic countries for German courts. Contrary to common belief, the decisions of German courts are not based on German law alone; legal practice may often depend on nationality. I am also working on various essays on family and inheritance law in Arabic countries for specialist publications.

What fascinates you about your work?

I am fascinated by the international dimension and the interdisciplinary aspects of my work; in addition to the various legal systems, differing social structures also play a significant role. I consider myself an intermediary between the different cultures. I work extensively with German scientists, allowing me to share in a highly enriching discourse on legal and cultural differences and similarities between Germany and the Islamic countries. At the Max Planck Institute I also come into contact with guest researchers from all over the world. I benefit from their approaches and new impulses, as different legal systems always reflect their respective societies.

What are your plans for your scientific career?

Initially I would like to increase my experience in comparative law at the MPI. After that I would like to work for an international organisation such as UNESCO. I could also see myself working as a lecturer for interdisciplinary "Islamic Studies" in the fields of law, politics and society.

Why did you choose Germany as your place of research?

The initial impulse was the German language. It fascinated me. Then during my studies I spent time at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg, where I met my doctoral thesis supervisor, Prof. Dr. Dr. Rüdiger Wolfrum.

What do you think of Germany as a location for science and research?

The conditions for research in Germany are optimal. I can speak particularly of the Max Planck Institute here. The library of the institute is perfectly stocked. All the literature is available, and if a book is missing, it can be procured relatively easily. My German colleagues (scientific and service staff at the institute) always helped and supported me. Before working at the MPI for Private Law, I had already been at the MPI for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg, where I received the same degree of support. It's regrettable that researchers with foreign degrees have no perspective in German academic careers.

What are your experiences of living and working in Germany so far?

My experiences so far are entirely positive. I feel free in Germany. Free in particular to state my opinion. I value the reliability of Germans very much. However, the weather in Hamburg sometimes makes me sad. I'm used to a lot of sun from my home country.

In a single sentence: Is there something you especially like about Germany?

The nature in Germany is very beautiful, and people do their utmost to keep it clean and take care of it.

More information on the MPI is available at mpipriv.de»

academics.com :: May 2008