Georg Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research

OUR VISION

The Georg Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research, member of the Leibniz Association contributes to improving education in schools around the world. Education is the cornerstone of our future in the societies we live in. As an academic institute, we are dedicated to ensuring that future generations are brought up with open minds, able to reflect on their attitudes and beliefs and embrace responsibility and democracy. In this way we hope to promote peace and international understanding.

OUR MISSION 

At the GEI we work to develop a better understanding of the past, the present and the future through our research activities. We are able to analyse textbooks and other teaching materials from diverse geographical regions and time periods from the perspective of a range of academic disciplines. We make recommendations to policymakers and educational practitioners on how textbooks might be used to transcend difficulties in communication and understanding within or between societies. Our research infrastructure enables research into textbooks and allows us to support international partners working towards similar aims.

OUR PRINCIPLES AND VALUES

We approach others with open minds. We cultivate an atmosphere of respectful cooperation both within the institute and with our external partners. This means respecting other cultures and traditions, acknowledging people’s achievements and commitment, accepting responsibility, displaying sensitivity in our interactions with one another, being open and interested. We do what we do because we believe in it and we are dedicated to continuing the work begun by Georg Eckert. Our research embodies excellence as well as inter- and transdisciplinarity. We critically assess our field in collaboration with our many national and international partners. We take pride in our library and its unique and extensive collection of international textbooks. Our library is open to researchers and the interested public from around the world.

ETHICAL GUIDELINES

Based on the recommendations of the Leibniz Association, the Institute has developed “Ethical Guidelines: Rules for good academic practice and procedures in the case of misconduct”, which took effect on 7 July 2016 having been passed by the Board of Trustees. (PDF english)