Josephine van Zeben

Josephine van Zeben is a Full-time Professor and Provost for Education and Academic Staff Development at the Florence School of Transnational Governance, European University Institute (EUI). She leads educational initiatives spanning doctoral supervision, master’s programs, executive education, and postdoctoral development, collaborating closely with the Max Weber Programme and other Fellowships.

Her research focuses on transnational governance and the European Union’s polycentric legal system, with specific attention to climate change, biodiversity, and ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAS. She also pioneers interdisciplinary legal education for non-law students and foreign lawyers.

• PhD in Law and Economics (cum laude), University of Amsterdam
• LLM from Harvard University and University of Amsterdam (European Private Law)
• LLB in Scots Law, University of Edinburgh
• BA in Social Sciences, University College Utrecht, Utrecht University

Her recent work examines environmental law’s evolving role in transnational governance, including PFAS regulation and EU climate policy frameworks. Notable editorial roles include co-editor-in-chief of Transnational Environmental Law and series editor for its book series (Cambridge University Press).

• Co-editor-in-chief, Transnational Environmental Law
• Series editor, Transnational Environmental Law book series
• Member, Transdisciplinary Advisory Board of JPI Climate
• Affiliate faculty, Ostrom Workshop (since 2014)

She supervises Elena Marro and has held visiting professorships at Notre Dame, Bocconi University, and La Trobe Law School. Her academic career includes prior roles as Chair of the LAW group at Wageningen University and teaching at ETH Zürich (2012–2022).