Martin Scheinin

Martin Scheinin is a Part-time Professor in the Department of Law at the European University Institute (EUI), where he previously served as full-time Professor of International Law and Human Rights (2008–2020) and Dean of Graduate Studies (2016–2019). He is currently also the British Academy Global Professor at the University of Oxford and a member of the Scientific Committee of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. He collaborates with the PluriCourts Centre at the University of Oslo on the development of a future World Court of Human Rights.

• PhD in Law, University of Helsinki (1991)
• Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Helsinki (1993–1998)
• Professor of Constitutional and International Law, Åbo Akademi University, Finland (1998–2008)

His research focuses on international human rights law, public international law, and comparative constitutional law, with special expertise in human rights in counter-terrorism, digital surveillance, AI, indigenous rights, and climate change. He advocates for a human rights-based approach to global governance and security.

His recent scholarly output centers on the intersection of human rights law with emerging technologies and global crises. Themes include digital discrimination, AI and freedom of expression, climate litigation involving indigenous communities, and pandemic response frameworks grounded in human rights. His work bridges doctrinal legal analysis with policy-oriented research.

Notable scientific contributions include his role in the landmark Daniel Billy et al. v. Australia case before the UN Human Rights Committee, affirming states’ human rights obligations in climate change contexts. He has also led research on surveillance ethics, counter-terrorism sanctions, and digital rights.

• UN Human Rights Committee Member (1997–2004)
• UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism (2005–2011)
• British Academy Global Professor (2020–2024)
• Contributor to Just Security, Verfassungsblog, EJIL: Talk!, Opinio Juris

Martin Scheinin has supervised over 30 PhD students at EUI, covering topics such as international criminal law, human rights adjudication, digital rights, and climate justice. His research is supported by institutions including the British Academy and the PluriCourts Centre. He leads the project 'Addressing the Digital Realm through the Grammar of Human Rights Law' (2020–2024).

He is actively involved in interdisciplinary research teams focusing on AI and human rights, transnational legal governance, and climate justice. His work with the PluriCourts Centre and the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights at Oxford underscores his engagement with global legal reform initiatives.