Our mission is academic leadership in tax law – at WU and beyond. Our Institute is the largest university-based institution in tax law worldwide. As a hub for the international tax community, we offer a unique academic platform for tax-related research.

OUR RESEARCH AGENDA

Our research is committed to being impactful, innovative and inspiring. We aim to be at the forefront of the global tax discussion, delivering high quality scientific impact in publications, at conferences or in the media. We have the capacity to cover a broad range of research areas, including business taxation, tax treaties, transfer pricing, VAT, EU tax law, tax procedure, tax policy and the tax-related use of technology. In our research, we think globally, but also recognize that taxes may be local. We therefore cover both national and international topics.

COMMITMENT TO TEACHING

Teaching is a core pillar through which we develop the next generations of tax professionals. We are committed to excellence in our teaching. We treat our students with fairness and respect. In turn, we ask for their sincere contribution. Our teaching is research-led, introducing our students to the latest developments in the tax world. We provide our students with a real-life experience through projects with our many partners from the private sector, government institutions and international organizations.

We teach on all academic levels (bachelor, master, postgraduate and doctoral). Our bachelor and master students are prepared for a high-level career, ideally in tax. In our elite doctoral and postgraduate programs, we shape the best young tax talents for top careers in academia or tax practice. Our postgraduate LLM program, with a truly international faculty, is among the top of such programs  worldwide.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

We do not compromise on academic integrity. Our work is always objective, truthful and impartial. We are diligent in our research on existing tax laws, as it  provides guidance to the judiciary, tax administrations and practitioners. Equally, we are respectful of the relevance our work may have for the design of future tax policies. As a legal discipline above all, we see tax as a legal issue governed by the rule of law. As a publicly funded university, we are also particularly mindful of the various roles of tax in modern society, including as an important source of public revenue, a duty toward society, but also as a cost for taxpayers.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COOPERATION

We promote a culture of cooperation. Convinced that we can be more than the sum of our parts, we trust that an exchange of thoughts in an open academic debate will make our research and teaching better. We are open to sharing our ideas and collaborating on projects with other researchers, from WU or other universities, and across disciplines where appropriate. To ensure innovation, we promote an open dialogue with the tax world outside academia, including business, government and international institutions.

PROFESSIONALISM

We act professionally. We therefore provide our staff with an efficient and professional working environment. Our dedicated administrative team gives our research staff the room they need to focus on their academic work. Though differing in their tasks, administration and research staff treat each other as colleagues with mutual respect and collegiality.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We welcome diversity in all its forms and promote gender equality. We are proud that our Institute is inclusive for people from different countries and backgrounds. At the same time, we are united through our dedication to tax law, commitment to excellence and professionalism. We cultivate a culture of respect, honesty, personal appreciation and mutual support.

We extend an open invitation to all who share these values to join us.