Michael Thomson

Professor Michael Thomson holds the Chair in Health Law at the University of Leeds and is also a Professor of Health Law at the University of Technology Sydney. He is affiliated with the School of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences, and co-directs the Centre for Law & Social Justice with Jennifer Hendry. His roles include Director of Research & Innovation and leadership in interdisciplinary legal research.

Education:

• PhD in Law from the University of Birmingham
• LLB from the University of Southampton

His research focuses on health law, children’s rights, and legal/political theory, with a thematic emphasis on social justice. Current projects explore legal responses to environmental epigenetics and the intersections of deprivation, health, and law. Past projects include studies on non-therapeutic genital cutting, probation practitioner regulation, and the Maltese Gender Identity Act.

His work on male circumcision, feminist legal theory, and reproductive rights has shaped debates on bodily autonomy and ethical medical practices. He has held visiting roles at institutions like Cornell University and the International Institute for the Sociology of Law.

Advising and Grants: As director of research, Thomson oversees institutional grants and collaborates on projects addressing social justice in healthcare. He supervises postgraduate research in law and social justice themes.

Labs/Teams: Co-director of the Centre for Law & Social Justice, fostering interdisciplinary research on law, equity, and public policy.