School of Law and Social Justice visiting fellows 2023-24
Deblina Dey
17 June - 1 July 2024, Funded track.
Hosted by Professor Susan Pickard, Department of Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology.
Dr Deblina Dey is Associate Professor of Sociology at the Jindal Global Law School, OP Jindal Global University in Sonipat. She pursues interdisciplinary research on care, law, and inequality with a focus on older people in India. She is currently a Hunt Postdoctoral Fellow with the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, based in New York. She has been an alumna of academies and workshops organised by the Institute for Global Law and Policy (IGLP), Harvard Law School, Harvard University. Dr Dey has published on topics such as dispute resolution forums for older people, custodial neglect of older political prisoners, and religious norms related to end-of-life care.
During her visiting fellowship at the School of Law and Social Justice, Dr Dey plans to work on her project on the eldercare market and philanthropic interventions in India, collaborating with colleagues from the Centre for Ageing and the Life Course.
Read the 'Burden of loneliness is not older people’s alone' on 360info
"My two-week visit to the School of Law & Social Justice (SLSJ) was very productive. I was already in conversation about my project on eldercare in India with my host, Professor Susan Pickard (Head of the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology), and Dr Chao Fang, both associated with the Centre for Ageing and the Life Course (CALC). I met my host a couple of times at the University to discuss potential areas for collaborative research. I was also invited by Professor Pickard to participate in a workshop co-organised by the University of Liverpool and McMaster University, Canada. I am deeply grateful for her warmth and generosity in ensuring I could make the most of my short visit. The SLSJ Research & Impact Team, particularly John and Jayne helped me with everything I needed to be comfortable at work. I highly recommend others to apply for this fellowship. The university area is peaceful and serene, and Liverpool is a very welcoming city! I look forward to my continuing collaboration with my host and other colleagues at the CALC and hope to visit again."
Safura Abdool Karim
11 June - 1 July 2024, Self-funded track.
Hosted by , Liverpool Law School.
Dr Safura Abdool Karim is a public health lawyer, whose research has focussed on improving health through the law. She completed her PhD in Law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal following an LLM in Global Health Law at Georgetown University Law Center and a clerkship at the Constitutional Court in South Africa. As a practicing lawyer and legal researcher, her policy impact ranges from her role in advising the South African National Department of Health on food labelling to her contributions in addressing Covid-19 vaccine inequity in Africa.
Serkan Yolcu
8 June - 18 June 2024, Funded track.
Hosted by Professor Mike Gordon, Liverpool Law School.
Dr Serkan Yolcu holds his first law degree (LLB) from Dokuz Eylul University. He spent a period of his undergraduate education in Germany. He completed his master of law (LLM) (in public law) at Uludag University. In January 2018 Serkan received his PhD degree (in public law) from Ankara University. He has been at Oxford University Faculty of Law and at Boston College Law School as visiting researcher. Serkan finished his Max Weber Postdoctoral Fellowship in September 2019. He is currently an Associate Professor of Constitutional Law at Bilkent University Faculty of Law, Ankara, Turkey.
Ilenia Ruggiu
2 May - 31 May 2024, Self-funded track.
Hosted by Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, School of Law and Social Justice.
Professor Ilenia Ruggiu is a Full Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Cagliari. She holds a PhD in European and Public Law from the University of Palermo. She is the author of Culture and the Judiciary: The Anthropologist Judge (Routledge 2019) and of The Roots of Patriarchy: A Legal and Genealogical Approach (Routledge 2024 forthcoming).
"I spent one month at the School of Law and Social Justice; this short time was very productive, thanks to the vibrant community and resources provided by the University of Liverpool. My project focussed on voodoo and witchcraft/witch-hunting as reasons to provide asylum to refugee seekers.
I appreciated that my sponsor, Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, and the selection Committee were very open to accepting this unusual interdisciplinary project at the border between law and anthropology. I also greatly appreciated the help that the wonderful SLSJ Research and Impact Team provided in the procedure to be admitted as an honorary fellow, and throughout my stay.
Once arrived at the University of Liverpool, I really enjoyed researching at the Sydney Jones Library. This library is located nearby the School of Law and Social Justice, and offers unlimited book-lending, and is technologically very advanced (as everything at the University of Liverpool!). It is that kind of library of which it could be said: “Give me a library, and I’ll build a university about it”. I also really enjoyed the facilities in the School of Law and Social Justice building, which is very comfortable, aesthetically beautiful, and brand new.
The research conducted at the University of Liverpool was useful to complete the entries Witch-Hunting/Witchcraft, and Voodoo (rituals) in www.anthrojustice.net - a website conceived for judges which deals with multicultural claims. My stay also opened a new research path about “the law and the word”: in fact, while I was meandering in the shelves of the Sydney Jones library, I came across some books located in the archaeological session that contained ancient spells translated from cuneiform tablets dating back 2500 B.C. This made me think that words can have not only a communicative intention, as we mainly perceive in the West, but also a pragmatic intention aimed to change reality, precisely as it occurs with voodoo and witchcraft. How should the law relate with this double use of the word? I hope to cultivate this in the future, thanks to this seed planted at the Sydney Jones Library.
In a nutshell: to me the University of Liverpool is a very inspiring place; a university that combines very advanced resources with a human and friendly environment where people have time for new visitors, and are truly engaged in research."
Eliana Bejarano
14 March - 24 May 2024, Self-funded track.
Hosted by , Liverpool Law School.
Eliana is an international lawyer of Colombian origin, residing in Spain for the past 7 years. She’s had the privilege of serving as a diplomat, being responsible for opening the Colombian embassy in Azerbaijan. During her time in Azerbaijan, she took the opportunity to pursue studies in energy law, deepening her knowledge in this area.
Currently, Eliana is a partner at one of Spain's most renowned law firms, Cremades Calvo Sotelo, located in Madrid, where she leads the international law and public affairs department. Additionally, as part of her commitment to sustainable development and support for vulnerable communities in Colombia, Eliana founded a startup focussed on producing sustainable ingredients to ensure the right to food security.
Eliana is a Doctoral Candidate at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Barcelona (Spain), where her PhD focusses on the digital transformation of government and its profound implications for strategic sectors, particularly energy and agroalimentary. This research endeavours to analyse how advancements in digital technology, coupled with the evolving regulatory frameworks of various countries, influence these sectors on an international scale.
Alice Bryk Silveira
11 March - 28 March 2024, Honorary Research Assistant.
Hosted by Professor Amandine Garde, Liverpool Law School.
Alice Bryk Silveira is a licensed lawyer from Brazil. She holds a Law Degree from Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul and a Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law from Tel Aviv University. Currently, she is part of Professor’s Melanie Levy SNSF Eccellenza project “The Increasing Weight of Regulation: The Role(s) of Law as a Public Health Tool in the Prevention State” at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Her Ph.D. thesis is titled "Involving risk creators? A legal analysis of public-private partnerships as a response to non-communicable diseases" focuses on how to establish public-private partnerships as an alternative tool for NCDs prevention and public health promotion.
Her research interests are international human rights, public health law, and food law. Alice collaborated with the throughout the visit.
"In March 2024, I had the incredible opportunity of being a visiting researcher at the Law and Non-Communicable Diseases Unit at the University of Liverpool, under the esteemed guidance of Professor Amandine Garde. During my visit period, I had the opportunity to present part of my research with fellow PhD colleagues, whose insights significantly enhanced my work. Additionally, collaborating closely with Professor Amandine, a renowned expert in the field, was truly an honour.
I believe, this experience not only broadened my academic horizons but also provided invaluable insights into the legal complexities surrounding Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). I am deeply grateful to Professor Amandine Garde and the entire University of Liverpool team for their warm welcome and unwavering support throughout this enriching journey."
Sidsel Engmann Juul
15 February - 15 May 2024, Self-funded track.
Hosted by Professor Kanstantsin Dzehtsiarou, Liverpool Law School.
Sidsel Engmann Juul is a Ph.D. student at the Centre for Climate Change Law and Governance (CLIMA) at the University of Copenhagen. Her research centers on the interpretive practices of the European Court of Human Rights when it comes to minorities and vulnerable groups.
Sidsel will be collaborating with the International Law and Human Rights Unit throughout the visit.
Georgia Theodorakakou
5 February - 15 March 2024, Self-funded track.
Hosted by Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, .
Georgia Theodorakakou is a Postdoctoral Researcher in European Criminal Law at the University of Luxembourg.
Kumush Suyunova
1 February - 31 July 2024, Self-funded track.
Hosted by Professor Kanstantsin Dzehtsiarou, Liverpool Law School.
Kumush is a PhD candidate in Law at Sant’Anna Scuola Universitaria Superiore in Pisa, Italy. Her research focusses on the derogations filed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, exploring uncertainties and differences in the practices of ECHR parties. Kumush has recently published an article titled “Human Rights Restrictions Prompted by the Covid-19 Pandemic: Uncertainties and Differences in the Practice of ECHR Parties” in the Yearbook of International Disaster Law, Issue No. 5. Beyond her primary focus on pandemic-related derogations, Kumush is deeply interested in the broader implications of human rights issues in the context of public emergencies. Her academic pursuits aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersection between human rights law and public emergencies, with a focus on safeguarding fundamental rights while addressing pressing global challenges.
Dr Alla Tymofeyeva
20 January - 5 February 2024, Funded track.
Hosted by , Liverpool Law School.
Alla is an Assistant Professor, Senior Lecturer at the Department of International Law at the Faculty of Law, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Alla is a member of the European Society of International Law, the Interest Group on International Business and Human Rights, and the Czech Society of International Law. She is also a researcher at the Human Rights Research Centre, Prague, Czech Republic.
"My time at the University of Liverpool's School of Law and Social Justice was truly enlightening. The faculty and students welcomed me with open arms and I had the opportunity to engage in stimulating discussions and research collaborations. The knowledge and expertise of the staff here are unparalleled, and I am grateful for the invaluable experiences gained during my visit. I highly recommend the University of Liverpool for anyone looking to further their academic pursuits."
Dr Edward Willis
8 January - 2 February 2023, Funded track.
Hosted by , Liverpool Law School.
Edward Willis is an Associate Professor from the University of Otago, New Zealand. Edward's research interests are in constitutional theory (especially as applied to the New Zealand constitution), all aspects of public law (including rights issues, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and administrative law), competition law and business regulation. He is currently undertaking a major project interrogating the public law dimension of business regulation.
"I was very fortunate to visit the School of Law and Social Justice to pursue my interest in unwritten constitutionalism. This is an interest that I have shared with my host, , for a number of years, and the opportunity to collaborate more closely with someone of his expertise was too good to pass up. Together, we hosted a symposium with international presenters exploring key themes and issues, which was a huge success. We catalysed important conversations and opened up new lines for research in a way that wouldn’t be possible unless we were face-to-face. It was the best possible forum in which to present and test my own research and emerging ideas. It was a real privilege to be able to deepen connections with Brian and other public law scholars such as Dr Adam Tucker and Professor Michael Gordon at Liverpool in this way, and it has undoubtedly shaped my research agenda for the future.
Liverpool itself is a vibrant city, with a history and a welcoming culture for students that reminds me a lot of my current home in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is such a stimulating place to visit. The School of Law and Social Justice was such a generous host institution, ensuring I had everything I might need to make the most of my visit. The entire experience could not have been better, and if I could do it over again I certainly would."
María-Pía Díaz Díaz
13 November - 14 December 2023, Self-funded track.
Hosted by Dr John Fanning, Liverpool Law School.
María-Pía is a PhD candidate and Lecturer at the University of Turin. Her research has focussed on the women's rights and rights of minority groups especially about the right to identity, gender identity, transgender women, gender violence, among others. Currently she is researching about the legal capacity of persons with disabilities.
"I had a wonderful experience as a visiting fellow at the University of Liverpool School of Law and Social Justice. My visit was aimed to study the English legal framework about the legal capacity of persons with mental disabilities in relation to the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, as a part of my PhD dissertation.
My visit was hosted by Dr John Fanning, he gave me his academic support and valuable research suggestions as a specialist in my research subject. We discuss and compare the English legal framework with the European and Latin American countries. Dr Fanning organised a seminar in which I presented the progress of my research. I am grateful to Dr Fanning for his generous time in clarifying all my doubts and for his general interest in my research. All this learning helps me to complete one chapter of my PhD dissertation.
Besides, my time at the University of Liverpool was inspiring because of the great environment at the campus. The first day I arrived I was allocated in a warm office at the Faculty of Law and Social Justice with all the facilities, thanks to the assistance of the SLSJ Research and Impact Team. The Faculty is very well implemented with many services and the main library is nearby.
Liverpool is a beautiful and safe city full of museums, public libraries and interesting places to visit. I absolutely recommend the experience to other academics or students."
Georgios Bastounas
1 November - 1 December 2023, Self-funded track.
Hosted by Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, Dean of the .
George Bastounas is a PhD candidate at the Law School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in the field of 'Criminal and Forensic Sciences' and a lawyer. He is a graduate of the undergraduate and postgraduate study program of the above school, with his scientific interests focussing on the field of substantive criminal law. He teaches courses related to the subject of Criminal Law (Substantive and Procedural) in a higher education tutoring school, while at the same time he has conducted tutoring courses at the undergraduate level at the Faculty of Law of AUTH after receiving a remunerative scholarship in the subjects of General Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure. At the same time, he has published studies and commentaries on court decisions on current legal issues in the legal journals 'Poiniki Dikaiosyni', 'Egklimatologia' and 'Synigoros'. He has participated in conferences on legal issues of various interest, while he has conducted a four-hour seminar on 'Trafficking in pornographic material'.
"My research visit to the University of Liverpool funded by the Hellenic State Scholarships Foundation and the British Council greatly contributed to my scientific research. In particular, I had the opportunity to get in touch with English law and specifically with English bibliographic and jurisprudential databases, conducting research in the university library. This contact gave me the opportunity to open a new way in approaching the critical issues concerning my thesis ("Traffic Crimes"), but also gave me the opportunity to enrich the chapter of the thesis related to the comparative presentation of Greek law with English law. This is a primary research and elaboration, which succeeds in bringing the laws of the two countries into contact, giving a different stamp to the interpretation of the provisions on both sides.
At the same time, in terms of my academic experience, my contact with the way of teaching in England was particularly important, attending lectures by professors at the undergraduate level in courses that are directly related to the subject of my studies, and with the lively potential of the university that they directed me absolutely to everything I needed, offering support and help.
Furthermore, I submitted a proposal to participate in the conference of doctoral candidates and postdoctoral students (ECLAN Conference), where I had the opportunity through a poster to present an extremely current topic that is inextricably related to my thesis. The presentation was titled as follows: "Car accident caused by an artificial intelligence system: The challenges in finding criminal liability", studying both the extensive theoretical analyzes and the critical jurisprudential examples that have appeared.
I would like to sincerely thank those who have contributed to making this research instrument a reality, and especially Professor and Dean Valsamis Mitsilegas and his wonderful team!"
ECLAN 2023 - Poster - Georgios Bastounas (PDF)
Dr Nathalie Rech
November 2023 - November 2025, Postdoctoral Fellowship
Hosted by Professor Barry Godfrey, Department of Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology, and Dr Stephen Kenny, Department of History.
Dr Nathalie Rech is a Writer, Historian, and Post-doctoral researcher at the University of Liverpool. Nathalie is working on a 2-year research project across the School of Law and Social Justice and the Department of History, in collaboration with Professor Barry Godfrey and Dr Stephen Kenny.
Her research focusses on Black women’s lives at the turn of the 20th century. Her PhD thesis, entitled ‘Locking Up and Exploiting African American Women at Angola State Penitentiary: Experiences of Incarceration in Jim Crow Louisiana’ uncovers the racial and gendered hierarchies at play in a penal farm operating on a former slave plantation. Her post-doctoral research proposes to explore Black women’s interactions with the criminal justice system in Louisiana, Nova Scotia, and the UK over the period 1880-1935, to reveal some of the mechanisms of white supremacy, and document women’s modes of resistance.
Nathalie is the author of the script of ‘Lulu White, Queen of Diamonds,’ a graphic biography of a Black Madam operating in New Orleans red-light district during segregation. She previously had a career in the non-profit sector, advocating on issues of homelessness, poverty, and housing. She is also an interpreter for conferences in the academia and beyond.
Federica Zazzaro
1 October - 29 December 2023, Self-funded track.
Hosted by Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, Dean of the School of Law and Social Justice.
Federica is a PhD student at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” in Italy, and her research focusses on individual criminal liability in business activity. The starting point of Federica’s research is the consideration that theoretical and practical problems arise in connection with the identification of criminally liable individuals within complex organisations, especially national and multinational corporation.
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