National Centre 

The National Centre explores fundamental questions related to Swiss federalism, inter-cantonal law and comparative constitutional and administrative law. The main poles of activity are the following:

Research
Beside questions related to federalism, the research priorities of the National Centre include the topics of decentralisation and regionalisation, particularly the organisation of the state and the administration, corporate governance, fundamental rights and human rights, as well as administrative law.

Consultancy and Expertise
Backed up in our tasks by scientific research work and documentation, we give expert advice, carry out comparative analyses on specific legal questions and provide studies on the possible developments of laws. Furthermore our online service LexFind (www.lexfind.ch) gives access to the systematic legislation of the Conféderation and the cantons, as well as to inter-cantonal agreements. In the very near future, this website will broaden its offer to other important legislative documents.

Training and Capacity Building
Our Institute proposes various conferences, seminars and courses such as the Murten Legislation Seminar.

International Centre 

The International Centre (International Research and Consulting Centre, IRCC) was founded in 1997 as part of the Institute of Federalism of the University of Fribourg. The IRCC has imposed itself as a centre of interdisciplinary research and scientific expertise. It aims at contributing to the peaceful coexistence of peoples and communities living in multicultural societies. The IRCC activities are divided as follows:

Research
The IRCC explores fundamental questions on federalism, decentralisation, multiculturalism, democracy rule of law, human and minority rights and resource management. Our centre regularly hosts researchers from abroad studying Swiss and comparative federalism, democracy and the rule of law, Swiss and comparatice constitutional law and the diversity of Switzerland.

Consultancy and Expertise
In cooperation with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, in particular the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, our consultancy and expertise services are aimed at countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. The IRCC is consulted by governments and other organisations, receives delegations and organises conferences and workshops in Switzerland and abroad for civil servants and scholars.