Project Title: Méndez Centre for Effective and Fair Interviewing for German Speaking Countries (ZEFAB)
Project Leads: Lennart May, Frank Maurer, Teresa Schneider
The Méndez Centre for Effective and Fair Interviewing aims to systematically improve the quality of interviews in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It will serve as a central hub for scientifically grounded and legally safe interview practices in the German-speaking countries and will among other things undertake the following activities to implement the principles:
- Applying for research grants and conducting interdisciplinary research on interviewing practices
- Organizing workshops and conferences
- Supporting guideline development, evaluation of procedures, and implementation of standards
- Building and expanding a national and international interdisciplinary network
The project was initiated in September 2025. In preparation of the project a first conference was held in Mai 2025 in Freiburg i.Br., Germany for legal professionals. Another event is planned for March 2026 in Bern, Switzerland. Support has been obtained from several partners from the police and justice sector. The center will be launched officially in September 2026.