Michael Bohlander

Professor Michael Bohlander holds the Chair in Global Law and SETI Policy at Durham Law School, Durham University. He has been a judge internationally, including roles at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (since 2015) and the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (2017–2022). His academic work bridges international criminal law, comparative law, and the legal implications of extraterrestrial contact. He joined Durham in 2004 as a full professor, following a career in the German judiciary since 1991.

Research interests focus on the legal consequences of extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and UAP phenomena, alongside comparative criminal law and Islamic law. His recent work critiques the artificial divide between astronomical SETI and UAP research, emphasizing real-time UAP investigation’s legal challenges. He explores topics like UAP encounter narratives, intellectual property rights in alien technology, and interstellar legal frameworks (metalaw).

Publications include Contact with Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Human Law: The Applicability of Rules of War and Human Rights (2023), finalist for the Canopus Awards, and numerous articles on UAP legal aspects. He actively engages with policymakers, submitting evidence to the UK House of Lords Select Committee on Space Engagement and co-authoring the Declaration on SETI and UAP Research. Academic outreach includes podcasts, symposia, and global surveys on extraterrestrial law.

• Key Achievements: Canopus Awards Finalist (2023), Symposium on his book (2025), Global UAP survey launch (2025).
• Grants/Advising: No specific grants listed, but extensive supervision of UAP and SETI-related research projects.
• Labs/Teams: Leads the Durham-based research group on SETI/UAP legal futures, collaborating with institutions like St Andrews University.