ZIS celebrates 20 years: anniversary and outlook on challenges in insolvency law!

ZIS celebrates 20 years: anniversary and outlook on challenges in insolvency law!

On September 6, 2005, the Center for Insolvency and Restructuring (ZIS) was founded at the University of Mannheim. The initiating impulse came from Prof. Dr. Georg Bitter and the Rhein-Neckar Pfalz Reorganization and Insolvency Working Group. V., whose chairman is lawyer Peter Depré. With the aim of promoting scientific research as well as training and further education in the area of ​​insolvency and restructuring law, the ZIS has established itself as a key player over the past two decades.

Today, June 27, 2025, the 20th anniversary of the ZIS was celebrated as part of the 20th Mannheim Insolvency Law Day. The focus was on the awarding of the ZIS Young Talent Prize for Insolvency Law, which is endowed with 10,000 euros. This award went to Dr. Johannes Heck and Dr. Ansgar Kalle, who can look forward to the prize money.

Insight into current trends and challenges

The situation in the area of ​​corporate insolvencies is serious. A massive 22,400 corporate bankruptcies were recorded in 2024, an increase compared to the previous year. Experts who study the matter expect an even higher number of bankruptcies in 2025. This highlights the challenges that companies must deal with in an increasingly turbulent economy. Prof. Bitter emphasizes that the ZIS plays a central role here by linking research with practical experience and promoting the exchange between science and practice.

As part of the conference program there was a lecture by Prof. Dr. Heinrich Schoppmeyer on the “challenge of securities”, as well as a discussion by Prof. Dr. Georg Bitter on opening insolvency proceedings in the event of disputed claims. Attorney Marion Gutheil also showed how mediation can be used as a restructuring solution in crisis situations. She discussed the specific challenges of this approach= [ISR].

Diverse events and access to knowledge

The ZIS regularly organizes events in the area of ​​insolvency and restructuring at the University of Mannheim. These events attract experts from science and practice, with the topics and speakers being selected in close consultation with a scientific advisory board. Participation takes place in two steps: First, a ticket for face-to-face or online participation is booked, followed by a login to the event portal to gain access to the materials and online participation. Participants can also download professional certificates in accordance with Section 15 FAO after the event

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The events are not only informative, but also provide platforms for discussions on topics such as restructuring moderation according to the StaRUG. Attorney Dr. Jens Schmidt presented the advantages of this moderation and emphasized confidentiality and the role of the moderator as a neutral mediator. Prof. Dr. Steffen Müller from the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research highlighted the economic importance of efficient insolvency procedures and the conservation of resources that go hand in hand with them.

The event concluded not only with a celebratory award ceremony, but also with valuable insights into current trends and solutions in insolvency law. Humorous interludes from cabaret artist Sven Hieronymus round off the event and promote informal exchange among the participants.

In addition, a “Student Honorary Prize for Insolvency Law” worth 1,000 euros was awarded to the students Aron Istvan Adonyi and Anastasia Stroh, which recognizes the commitment of the next generation. It is clear that the ZIS makes a valuable contribution not only to the professional world, but also to students [ZIS Mannheim] .