 The founding director of the institute was Helmut Coing (1964–1979).Dieter Simon (1980-2001), Walter Wilhelm (1980-1987), Michael Stolleis (1991-2006) and Marie Theres Fögen (2001-2008) later became directors of the institute.After having retired in 2006 again Michael Stolleis became Managing Director of the MPIeR until 2009.