Research on Polish and German history, publishing activity and organisation of conferences and exhibitions are the main tasks of the Institute for Western Affairs, which has operated in Poznan for the last 60 years. The Institute was established right after the Second World War to help improve Polish-German relations.

?The experiences of the Second World War left their tragic mark on Polish and German relations, however, they also proved the importance of these relations for Polish and European history,? say the employees of the Institute for Western Affairs.

These were the reasons for establishment of the Institute for Western Affairs in Poznan, 60 years ago, exactly four days after the end of military activity. The choice of the city was not accidental. Already in the interwar period Poznan was an important centre of research in German affairs. Many academic experts in German history, culture and language worked at the Adam Mickiewicz University.

The first Director of the Institute was Professor Zygmunt Wojciechowski, an outstanding Poznan historian and an expert on the Polish and German relations.

?The turning point of 1989 led to changes in organisation and research subjects in the Institute ? elimination of censorship, opening of archives and broad international exchange created new scientific perspectives,? say the employees of the Institute.

Outstanding Poznan historians, Germanists and sociologists have found employment at the Institute for Western Affairs.

Today the Institute for Western Affairs conducts research in two main areas:

1. Germany and the world

-         Germans, Poles and their neighbours and partners in Europe and in the world

-         Contemporary Germany: the state, society, economy and culture

2. Idea and practice of European integration

Importance of the Institute of Western Affairs consists mainly in joining scientific activity with popularisation of knowledge and political education. As the Institute?s employees say, it is especially important today, after Poland joined the European Union. By promoting and popularising results of conducted research, the Institute acts for overcoming of negative stereotypes, especially those concerning our western neighbours. With this aim in mind the Wielkopolska European Information Centre was established as part of the Institute.

The Institute also organises many international research projects, symposiums and conferences which enable exchange of ideas on the most important European issues. The Institute also cooperates with many universities and scientific centres in Poland and abroad. The partners of the Poznan institute include scientific centres from Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Leipzig and Hannover, as well as Rome and Vienna.

The Institute for Western Affairs is located in Poznan on ul. Mostowa. In the newly-constructed five-storey building there are also a library, an archive, a conference room and guest rooms.