Dr Kingsley Edney is an Associate Professor in International Relations of China at the University of Leeds' School of Politics and International Studies. He holds a PhD (International Relations) and MA (Political Science) from the University of Melbourne, along with a BA(Hons) in Politics and Anthropology from Victoria University of Wellington. Fluent in Chinese and with experience living in Shanghai and Beijing, his research focuses on China's non-material international security dynamics, including cultural diplomacy, propaganda, and ideological strategies to manage global information flows. His expertise includes Chinese soft power, the role of ideology in foreign policy, and the intersection of domestic political cohesion with international security objectives. He teaches undergraduate and master's courses on China's domestic and international politics. Current postgraduate researchers under his supervision are Jinru Huang, Yanyu Lu, and Hengfeng Zhao. Edney's research outputs span topics like public perceptions of China in the Anglosphere, Chinese youth nationalism, and environmental governance. His work often bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis of China's evolving global engagement strategies. He maintains active academic engagement through platforms like Google Scholar and ORCID.
Professor Amy Maguire is a leading academic in human rights and public international law at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She holds roles as Deputy Head of the School of Law and Justice (2021-2024) and co-founder Director of the Centre for Law and Social Justice. Her research focuses on human rights accountability, Indigenous rights, climate change displacement, and refugee rights. She has secured over $2.7 million in grants, including an ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellowship (2024-2028) for national human rights reform initiatives. Maguire advises the Queensland Parliament on human rights compliance and collaborates with global institutions like the Australian Human Rights Commission. Her work has influenced policy, including Australia’s death penalty abolition strategy and Indigenous rights frameworks. She has been awarded multiple accolades for research and teaching excellence, including the 2020 Leadership Excellence Award and 2016 Early Career Researcher of the Year. Maguire’s education includes a BA, LLB (Hons), and PhD from the University of Newcastle. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges law and social justice, addressing issues like climate migration and legal responses to global crises. She leads projects such as the Hunter Region climate displacement study and the Human Rights Measurement System. Maguire’s public engagement includes over 70 articles for The Conversation, reaching 920,000+ readers, and expert media commentary globally. She advocates for inclusive education through initiatives like early entry programs for Indigenous and refugee students, earning a 2021 Senior Fellowship from Advance HE. Her research outputs span 60+ publications, with key works on MH17 litigation, climate justice, and Indigenous legal frameworks. Grants include a 2021 stimulus grant to establish the Centre for Law and Social Justice, supporting postdoctoral research and international collaborations. Maguire’s leadership extends to global networks, including the UN Human Rights Council evaluation project and the Human Rights for NSW Alliance. She remains committed to translating research into policy, education, and community impact through clinics, youth forums, and law reform advocacy.
Professor Elaine Fahey is a leading scholar in EU law and global governance at the City Law School, City St George's, University of London, where she serves as Professor of EU Law and Deputy Head of Department (academic programmes). She is co-convener of the Institute for the Study of European Law (ISEL) and the UACES James Madison Trust EUFUtures initiative (2022–2025). Her academic career includes visiting professorships at Washington College of Law (American University), Keio University, and NYU, as well as fellowships at the European University Institute and the University of Graz. LLB, Trinity College Dublin LLM, Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge PhD, Trinity College Dublin Barrister-at-Law, Honorable Society of King’s Inns, Ireland Attorney-at-Law, State of New York Senior Fellowship, Higher Education Authority UK Her research focuses on the intersection of EU law with global governance, digital regulation, transatlantic relations, and the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. She explores how the EU navigates legal frameworks beyond the nation-state, particularly in digital trade, cybersecurity, and data protection. Her work critically examines the EU’s role as a global regulatory actor and its interactions with international institutions. Her extensive publication record includes the monograph The EU as a Global Digital Actor (Hart, 2022) and numerous articles on digital sovereignty, data transfers, and transatlantic cooperation. Recent research analyzes the EU–US Trade and Technology Council (TTC), the evolution of the Privacy Shield, and strategic litigation in digital rights. Her work reveals a strong trend toward understanding how soft law, institutional design, and judicial decisions shape EU external relations and digital governance. Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Chair in Law & Transatlantic Relations (2019–2022) Emile Noël Fellow, NYU Law School Max Weber Fellow, European University Institute Senior Land Steiermark Fellow, University of Graz Senior Fellowship, Higher Education Authority UK Professor Fahey has supervised multiple PhD students, including Isabella Mancini, Giulio Kowalski, and Christos Karetsos, on topics such as algorithmic collusion, digital markets, and investment law. She has led significant research projects, including the ESRC-funded TRILATTRADE grant and the Marie Curie ITN on EU and Transatlantic Investment and Trade (EUTIP). She previously held leadership roles as Associate Dean (International) and interim Associate Dean (Research) at the City Law School. She is an elected member of the EU Studies Association (EUSA) Executive (2021–2025). She has also contributed to public policy through briefings for the Welsh Parliament and reports on CJEU litigation in Ireland. She is associated with research initiatives such as the Institute for the Study of European Law (ISEL) and has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects on Facebook regulation, transatlantic relations, and EU technological sovereignty. Her work bridges legal scholarship, policy, and international academic collaboration.
Mariana Gkliati is an Assistant Professor of International and EU Law at Radboud University, Nijmegen. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Law (Magna Cum Laude) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Legal Research Master (Summa Cum Laude) from Utrecht University. Her PhD from Leiden University focused on Frontex accountability, supervised by Professors Rodrigues and Besselink, and was supported by the Meijers Research Institute. Education: PhD in Immigration Law, Leiden University (2016-2020) Legal Research Master, Utrecht University (Summa Cum Laude) Graduate Diploma in Law, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Magna Cum Laude) Her research interests center on migration, refugee law, and human rights, particularly the accountability of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). She leads the externally funded project 'European Border and Coast Guard Agency: Systemic Accountability in Practice,' involving an 8-member team. Her work emphasizes evidence-based policy-making and anti-smuggling policies. Professional Activities: Research Affiliate, Refugee Law Initiative (RLI), University of London Teaches on the RLI MA in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies Former visiting Research Fellow at the School of Advanced Study (2016) and Amsterdam Centre for Migration and Refugee Law (2019-2020) Awards: Magna Cum Laude, Graduate Diploma in Law Summa Cum Laude, Legal Research Master Her grants and projects include systemic accountability research on Frontex. She advises NGOs, law firms, and the European Parliament, and contributes to expert reports on migration and borders. Labs/Teams: Leads an 8-member research team for her funded project on Frontex accountability.
Professor Mette Eilstrup-Sangiovanni serves as Senior Lecturer in International Studies within the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) at the University of Cambridge and holds a Fellowship in International Relations at Sidney Sussex College. Her teaching portfolio encompasses International Organization, International Relations Theory, International Security, History and Theory of European Integration, and Research Design and Methodology, reflecting her dual institutional commitments. Her research program centers on International Security, International Organizations, and European Integration with specialized expertise in Global Governance and Transnational Networks. She investigates how formal and informal institutions shape security governance frameworks, weapons proliferation regimes, and European defense architectures through rigorous application of network theory. This analytical lens reveals critical insights into cooperation dynamics and institutional evolution within international security contexts. Publication analysis shows consistent thematic development from foundational work on balance-of-power theory (2008-2009) toward contemporary examinations of multipolarity's institutional impacts (2013-2014). Her scholarship demonstrates methodological continuity in applying network analysis to diverse security challenges, from terrorist organizations to EU defense policy, while maintaining focus on institutional interplay in global governance structures.
Dr. Jeni Mitchell is a Lecturer in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, affiliated with the School of Security Studies under the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy. She specializes in future war studies, space security, and the evolution of rebellion, serving as co-director of the Future Threats Lab within the Centre for Science & Security Studies. Her work emphasizes human-centric approaches to analyzing existential threats and their societal impacts. Her education includes a PhD from King’s College London, where her doctoral research focused on civilian victimization by non-state armed groups. She has held positions at Chatham House, the Brookings Institution, and the Middle East Institute. Teaching responsibilities include MA modules on future warfare, spacepower, and insurgency, while she also directs the MA International Relations and War program. Mitchell’s research explores future threat perceptions (particularly in space), futures research methodologies, and the intersection of war, genocide, and utopian ideologies. Her methodological innovations, termed ‘future-crafting,’ employ creative formats like films and games to model conflict scenarios. Notable collaborations include work with the Freeman Air and Space Institute and King’s Wargaming Network. Recent publications address Ukraine’s apocalyptic imaginary, space-based threat analysis, and refugee-warrior dynamics. Her research group activities include the Environmental Security research group and contributions to widening participation initiatives like the 2024 Summer School in international security.
Renaud Morieux is Professor of European History at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of Pembroke College. His research explores borders between Britain, France, and the wider world since the 18th century, with focus on migration, oceans, incarceration, and the social history of war. He holds editorial responsibilities for journals including Past & Present and Revue d'Histoire Moderne et Contemporaine . Research Interests: Morieux investigates maritime borders through interdisciplinary lenses combining legal history, family studies, and global perspectives. His projects examine political deportation in the Indian Ocean and a reflexive history of European statelessness. His award-winning publications analyze cross-Channel relations, war captivity, and oceanic governance. Article Analysis: Morieux's scholarship demonstrates consistent focus on transnational networks, legal pluralism, and subaltern agency. Recent work explores colonial knowledge systems, penal transportation, and epistolary communities, reflecting innovative methodological approaches to reconstructing marginalized histories across imperial spaces. Awards and Honors: Philip Leverhulme Prize for History (2014) Leo Gershoy Award for The Channel: England, France and the Construction of a Maritime Border (2017) Mémoires de la Mer book prize (2009) Advising and Grants: Morieux has supervised 10+ PhD students on topics ranging from naval mutinies to famine philanthropy. Current doctoral candidates explore Sir Joseph Banks' networks, WWI prisoner repatriation, and oral culture in the French Atlantic. His research receives international funding including EU and UK research council support.
Mauro Barelli is Professor of International Law at The City Law School, City, University of London. He holds a PhD from Cardiff University and an LLM from the University of Bristol, and has been a faculty member at City since 2009, progressing from Lecturer to Professor in 2024. He teaches Advanced Issues of International Law, International Human Rights Law, and a course on Minority and Indigenous Peoples' Rights. He has held visiting positions at the University of Cambridge (Lauterpacht Centre), Nanjing University, the University of Iceland, and the University of Trento. His research focuses on: Rights of ethno-cultural and indigenous peoples Law on the use of force Chinese perspectives on international law Soft law and normative development Minority rights and litigation His publications include four books and numerous articles in leading journals such as Journal of Conflict and Security Law , Human Rights Quarterly , and Asian Journal of International Law . His recent work analyzes China’s engagement with international law, the UK’s relationship with the ICJ, and the synchronization of biodiversity protection with indigenous rights. Key scientific recognitions include: Higher Education Academy Fellow (since 2012) He is an experienced PhD supervisor, having chaired and served on numerous doctoral committees, including as PhD Programme Director. His advisee Engin Firat is currently a research student at City. He has also served in administrative roles such as Assistant Dean (Research). His expertise has been sought by national governments, parliaments, and international NGOs. He is an active participant in international academic events, particularly through the European China Law Studies Association.
Aeli Roberts is a Professorial Teaching Fellow at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, specializing in sustainability, health and safety, and sustainable construction practices. She is a member of BSSC's Centre for Sustainable Governance and Law in the Built Environment, a partnership between UCL and Gatehouse Chambers. Her educational background includes a diverse range of qualifications: PhD from Open University (2004), Bar Vocational Course from BPP Law School (2005), BSc in Construction Management from University College London (2003), MSc from Royal Holloway (1988), BSc from Royal Holloway (1986), and Higher National Diploma from Camberwell College of Art (1990). Initially trained as a chemist, she worked in industry and taught material science to conservation students before transitioning to construction management. Roberts' research focuses on integrating green space within urban environments for environmental and social benefits, health and safety in construction, and sustainable building practices. Her work examines sustainability in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which employ 85% of UK construction workers, and explores architect-client interactions for sustainable domestic construction. She has conducted comparative studies of health, safety, and well-being in UK and Hong Kong construction industries. Her publication record shows a strong focus on operational failure mitigation, knowledge transfer for safety culture, and the role of building control in sustainable construction. Recent work emphasizes climate change impacts on construction, wellbeing in the industry, and sustainable design integration. Her research bridges academic theory with practical application in the construction sector. Scientific Awards: Significant contributions serving the Design Futures Council's London and Cambridge Think Tank (2012) Roberts has held teaching positions across multiple subject areas including materials science, law, and sustainability. She has developed a third-year module on built asset management, emphasizing the importance of post-occupancy building performance. Her teaching philosophy connects historical building conservation with contemporary sustainability challenges, particularly in the context of upgrading existing housing stock to meet carbon reduction targets. She has been involved in collaborative research projects with organizations including the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), focusing on eco-design training for the construction supply chain. Her work with the CIC 2050 Group demonstrates engagement with industry-wide sustainability initiatives.
Prof. Catherine O'Sullivan is a Professor of Particulate Soil Mechanics at Imperial College London's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, part of the Faculty of Engineering. She leads the Geotechnics Section and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. Her research focuses on particulate soil mechanics, employing Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) and micro-CT imaging to study sand behavior, reservoir sandstones, and internal erosion. Notable recognitions include the 2016 Shamsher Prakash Research Award and the 2021 President’s Teaching Innovation Award. Education : PhD in Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (2002) MEngSc in Civil Engineering, University College Cork (Ireland) BEng (Civil Engineering), University College Cork (Ireland) Research Interests : Prof. O'Sullivan's work integrates computational and experimental methods to explore granular material behavior. Key areas include DEM validation, μCT analysis, and pore network modeling. Her group collaborates across disciplines, involving physicists and mechanical engineers alongside civil engineers. Awards & Recognition : 2015 Geotechnique Lecture Student Choice Supervision Award (nominated twice) 2023 Alert Geomechanics Special Lecture Advising & Grants : She supports PhD and postdoctoral researchers through Imperial scholarships and fellowships. Her students often explore particulate soil behavior, with many securing prestigious awards. Labs & Teams : Leads the Geotechnics Section at Imperial, fostering interdisciplinary research in geomechanics and computational modeling.
Professor Emma Lees serves as Professor of Environmental and Property Law at the University of Cambridge, based in the Department of Land Economy with affiliation to the Law Faculty. She is a Fellow of Downing College and maintains connections with the Conservation Research Institute and Land Economy department at the David Attenborough Building, Cambridge. Her educational background includes an undergraduate Law degree (with French Law) from Brasenose College, Oxford (2009), an LLM by Research from the University of Dundee, and a PhD in Land Economy from the University of Cambridge (2013) supervised by Professor Martin Dixon. Lees' research spans environmental and property law with particular emphasis on biodiversity protection, contaminated land regulation, waste management, and planning law. Recent work explores the use of scientific information in environmental adjudication and transnational climate litigation. Her scholarship demonstrates a clear trend toward interdisciplinary analysis connecting legal theory with practical environmental governance challenges, especially regarding the precautionary principle and climate accountability. Richard Macrory Prize for Best Paper in the Journal of Environmental Law (2016) Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence Highly Commended (2016) She actively supervises PhD candidates including Farhana Hamid Butt and Gonzalo Vial Forcade, with recent graduates Giulio Corsi and Douglas Maxwell. Her teaching portfolio covers Land Law, Contract Law, Landlord and Tenant Law, and Environmental Law. Lees contributes to research centers CEENRG (Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance) and CCPL (Cambridge Centre for Property Law), focusing on property rights in environmental contexts.
Jim Hall is a Professor of Climate and Environmental Risk at the University of Oxford's School of Geography and the Environment, and serves as Director of Research there. He is also a Visiting Fellow at Linacre College and holds leadership roles including Chair of the Science Advisory Committee at IIASA, and Expert Advisor to the UK's National Infrastructure Commission. His work focuses on systemic risk analysis, infrastructure resilience, and policy implications of climate change adaptation. Prof Hall has pioneered methodologies like the National Infrastructure Systems Model (NISMOD) and chairs the Data and Analytics Facility for National Infrastructure (DAFNI). His research spans flood risk management, energy systems decarbonization, and transboundary water resource conflicts in regions such as the Eastern Nile Basin and the Caribbean. Key research areas include robust decision making under uncertainty, info-gap theory applications, and integrated assessments of human-environmental systems. He has contributed to major international assessments, including the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report, and developed frameworks for multi-hazard stress testing of infrastructure networks. Scientific Awards: George Stephenson Medal (2001), Prince Sultan Prize for Water (2018), Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship (2010) His advising and grants work includes mentoring a DPhil student Erin Canning and leading projects like MARIUS and ENHANCE. He has also developed innovative modeling tools for coastal erosion prediction and probabilistic assessments of global shipping fuel transitions. Prof Hall’s research groups actively engage in interdisciplinary projects, including the Oxford Martin Programme on Resource Stewardship and the UK Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium. His work emphasizes bridging scientific analysis with actionable policy solutions for climate adaptation.
Dr Isidora Maletic is a Reader in Law (Education) at King's College London , affiliated with The Dickson Poon School of Law and the Centre of European Law . Her expertise spans legal education, regulatory frameworks, and interdisciplinary research in trade, competition, and technology law. Education: BA (Hons) in Law, Queens’ College, University of Cambridge LLM, King’s College London MA, Queens’ College, University of Cambridge Doctorate, King’s College London Legal Practice Course, The College of Law Her research focuses on trade regulation , competition law , post-Brexit regulatory frameworks , financial services regulation , environmental law , and technology regulation , with a strong emphasis on sustainability and digital governance. She also investigates educational quality assurance, assessments, and feedback practices in legal education. Scientific Awards and Roles: Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA) Fellow and Advisory Board member of the Centre of European Law Dr Maletic has contributed to the new Jean Monnet Centre at King's, focusing on EU/UK relations. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications, including consultations with international law firms and global speaking engagements.
Professor Kern Alexander is the Co-Director of the Oxford Bank Governance Programme at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School and holds the Chair in Law and Finance at the University of Zurich. His expertise lies in banking regulation, systemic financial risk, and environmental sustainability in financial markets. He advises global banks, governments, and international organizations on governance, risk management, and regulatory frameworks. His research focuses on integrating environmental risks into banking regulation, influencing debates on Basel III reforms and post-Brexit financial policies. He has authored influential works such as Principles of Banking Regulation (2019) and provided evidence to UK parliamentary committees on financial services and sustainability. Professor Alexander has advised the G20, United Nations, European Parliament, and European Commission on financial regulation and sustainability. He teaches executive education programs for major banks and serves as a Specialist Advisor to the UK Parliament's Financial Services Act 2012 Committee.
Tarik Abou-Chadi is a Professor in European Union and Comparative European Politics at the University of Oxford's Department of Politics and International Relations, and a Professorial Fellow at Nuffield College. He holds a PhD from Humboldt University Berlin (2015). His research focuses on elections, political parties, and the transformation of democratic representation in post-industrial societies. Key affiliations include the Government and Politics Network, Comparative Politics and Government, and leadership of the Swiss National Science Foundation-funded project on 'Social Status and the Transformation of Electoral Behavior in Western Europe'. He previously served as Assistant Professor at the University of Zurich before joining Oxford. His work appears in top journals like the American Political Science Review and World Politics. Awards include the Henrik Enderlein Prize (2022) and inclusion in Capital magazine's 'Top 40 under 40' (2022). He advises four doctoral students and actively contributes to media commentary on European political trends through outlets like The Economist. Research interests emphasize far-right dynamics, voter behavior, and party strategy in Western Europe. His recent analyses address gendered political preferences among youth, climate policy acceptance, and the electoral consequences of mainstream parties adopting radical-right policies.
