Interpol President Visits UZH

International police organization Interpol, based in Lyon, is charged with coordinating and supporting the work of police authorities in its 190 member countries. Last week Interpol president Meng Hongwei visited the University of Zurich. He met with UZH president Michael Hengartner to discuss options for closer cooperation between Interpol and the University, with the goal of furthering the fight against crime in the countries involved.

Meng Hongwei underscored the University of Zurich’s status as one of the world’s best research institutions, pointing to its shining track record of top placings in prestigious rankings. Coupled with its rich tradition and progressive, forward-looking attitude, he said, this opened up opportunities for successful cooperation.

Michael Hengartner, Brigitte Tag (dean of the UZH Faculty of Law), and Andreas Kellerhals (head of the Europa Institut at the University of Zurich) all backed Meng’s desire for collaboration. Activities and cooperation platforms – particularly in international law – embedded in an extensive network of researchers and experts could achieve a great deal in terms of improving security in Switzerland, Europe, and all over the world.