Serge Gutwirth

Serge Gutwirth is a Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium, affiliated with the Law, Science, Technology & Society research group and the Metajuridica/Fundamental Rights Centre. His academic career spans several decades with over 300 publications across diverse legal fields.

His research focuses on the intersection of law with technology, human rights, and environmental issues. Key areas include:

• Privacy & Data Protection
• International Human Rights
• Legal Theory
• Criminal Law and Procedure
• Environmental Law and Commons
• Law & Technology

Gutwirth's scholarly work demonstrates an evolving trajectory from traditional legal scholarship to contemporary issues at the intersection of law, technology, and ecological challenges. His recent publications show a particular interest in how legal frameworks interact with commons-based approaches to resource management, especially in the context of climate change. He has made significant contributions to understanding the balance between security and privacy, particularly in digital contexts.

His notable scientific awards include:

• Francqui Chair 2019-2020: Ecologie(s) du droit
• IBM-Belgium award for computer science 1994
• J. SEGERS award (1982-84)
• Sandersqualification 2002-2004
• Gezaghebbend Panel voor de uitbouw van het Vlaams Academisch Bibliografisch Bestand

Professor Gutwirth has supervised numerous doctoral students whose research spans privacy law, data protection, criminal justice, and environmental law. His current research projects extend until 2028, with significant involvement in EU-funded initiatives focused on data protection, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of emerging technologies. He maintains an active role in public discourse through op-eds in major Belgian media outlets, engaging with contemporary legal and societal challenges.