Marcus Smith is an Associate Professor in Law at the Charles Sturt University , where he teaches LAW222 Technology Law and directs the Bachelor of Laws program. He holds advanced degrees from the Australian National University (PhD, LLM) and the University of Cambridge (MPhil). His research spans technology law and regulation , focusing on genomic data governance biometric identification AI ethics blockchain policy cybersecurity surveillance law He leads the Contemporary Threats to Australian Security research group and serves as Chief Investigator on an NHMRC-funded project (MRF2015531) addressing genomic dataset governance. His recent work analyzes algorithmic bias in facial recognition AI in healthcare blockchain's regulatory challenges post-pandemic cybercrime surveillance ethics data security frameworks He actively supervises PhD and honours students in technology law and contributes to law reform through submissions to international bodies like the UN Human Rights Council .
Dr. Ruiqiao Zhang serves as a Senior Lecturer in Corporate Finance, Corporate and Commercial Law at the University of Edinburgh's School of Law, where she is affiliated with the Edinburgh Centre for Commercial Law. Her office hours are held Thursdays from 13:00-14:00, and she can be contacted via telephone (+44 (0)131 650 6957) or email (Ruiqiao.Zhang@ed.ac.uk). Her academic credentials include: Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Science from Chinese institutions Master of Civil and Commercial Law (China), Master of International Commercial and Trade Law (Netherlands), and Master of Comparative Law (Canada) Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) from McGill University under Professor Lionel Smith Dr. Zhang's research centers on trust law evolution in financial markets, with emphasis on comparative analyses between Common Law and Civil Law systems—particularly China's adoption of trust principles. Her work examines trustee roles in commercial contexts, beneficiary interests in commercial trusts, and regulatory frameworks for trust applications in asset management. She bridges theoretical legal concepts with practical financial market demands, highlighting tensions between traditional trust structures and modern entrepreneurial functions. Analysis of her publication trends reveals consistent focus on trust law's adaptation to financial innovation, with increasing attention to Chinese regulatory frameworks and cross-border implications. Her research spans corporate finance, international trade law, and property rights, demonstrating how commercial trusts evolve from guardian entities to active financial instruments while navigating jurisdictional complexities. No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials. Dr. Zhang accepts PhD students and maintains active advisory roles with the Scottish Ethnic Minorities Lawyers Association, China Law Society, and Cross Party Group on China of the Scottish Parliament. Her consultancy work connects academic research with policy development in UK-China legal cooperation, including participation in the Third UK-China Rule of Law Roundtable. She contributes to the Edinburgh Centre for Commercial Law's research initiatives, focusing on commercial trusts' regulatory challenges and their integration into civil law jurisdictions through comparative legal studies.
Rosana Garciandia is a Senior Lecturer in Public International Law and Co-Director of the Centre for International Governance and Dispute Resolution (CIGAD) at The Dickson Poon School of Law, King's College London. She holds a PhD in Law from the University of Navarra and previously taught at the University of Murcia. Her research focuses on international law responses to human rights abuses, including modern slavery, racial discrimination, and corruption, with an emphasis on state accountability and intersectionality. She is also a Research Leader at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law and a Fellow of the Macrocrimes Center. Education: PhD in Law (University of Navarra) Previous Positions: Secretary General of the European Law Institute, UNODC, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights Her research interests include state responsibility, EU law, migration law, and the law of international organizations. She has published widely on topics such as inter-state communications in UN treaty bodies, domestic servitude, and human rights scrutiny in international trade policies. Recent work includes editing a special issue on inter-state communications (2024) and contributing to the Intersectional Rewrites project. She collaborates with the Leverhulme Centre for Research on Slavery in War, exploring the slavery-war nexus. Her teaching and research address global challenges, linking legal frameworks to issues like modern slavery, corruption, and human dignity. She actively engages with international organizations and policy development.
Dr. Thomas Bennett is a Lecturer in Law at City Law School, City, University of London, specializing in Media Law, Privacy Law, and Defamation Law. He holds degrees from Newcastle University (LL.B (Hons)) and City University (LL.M (Distinction)), and a Ph.D. from Durham University (2018). His research focuses on judicial decision-making in common law, legal philosophy, and the interplay between law and language. He teaches Tort Law and Media Law and supervises Ph.D. students in these areas. Key achievements include co-founding the Media Law Podcast (2018) and being a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Bennett has authored multiple books and articles, including Law and Imagination in Troubled Times (2020) and The Campbell Legacy (2017). His work bridges legal theory with practical applications in media and privacy law. Education: Ph.D., Durham University (2018) LL.M. (Distinction), City University LL.B. (Hons), Newcastle University Awards: Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2018–present) Bennett’s recent publications analyze tensions between free speech and privacy, judicial coherence in defamation cases, and the evolution of common law privacy torts. His research emphasizes the role of legal imagination in shaping jurisprudence, particularly in troubled socio-political contexts.
David S. Caudill is a Professor of Law and the inaugural Arthur M. Goldberg Family Chair at Villanova University’s Widger School of Law since 2005. He also holds the title of Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne Law Faculty. Caudill has held visiting appointments at the University of Texas, Southern Illinois University, Cardozo School of Law, and the University of Florida. Education: J.D., University of Houston Law Center (1981) Ph.D., Philosophy, Free University of Amsterdam (1989) B.A., Philosophy, Michigan State University (1973) Postdoctoral work: Science & Technology Studies at Virginia Tech (2001) and Washington Psychoanalytic Institute (1994-95) Caudill’s research bridges law and science studies , law and literature , and sports and entertainment law . His recent work examines the legal implications of scientific consensus, confidentiality in business contexts, and the ethical dimensions of literary narratives in jurisprudence. His five 2025 publications reflect interdisciplinary engagement with legal ethics, scientific evidence in courtrooms, and the intersection of law with cultural and scientific discourse. Articles address topics like non-disclosure agreements, climate change litigation, and the use of literature in legal ethics training. Scientific Awards: SKAPP grant (2007) Société de Chimie Industrielle Fellow (2007/2008) Before academia, Caudill practiced real estate and sports law, clerked for the Fifth Circuit, and taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas. His presentations span themes like expertise crises, psychoanalytic theory in law, and religious aspects of legal epistemology.
Isabel Grant is a Professor at the University of British Columbia’s Allard School of Law, specializing in criminal law, with a focus on violence against women, sexual assault, homicide, and mental health law. She holds degrees from the University of Toronto, Dalhousie University, and Yale Law School, and served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Estey. Her research addresses gender-based violence, disability rights, and the impact of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms on legal frameworks. Grant has contributed to over 80 scholarly works and co-leads an SSHRC-funded project on sexual assault law reforms. She teaches courses on criminal law, sentencing, and mental health law. Grant’s work emphasizes feminist and disability justice perspectives, challenging systemic inequalities through litigation interventions in over 20 Supreme Court of Canada cases. Her recent scholarship critiques Bill C-7’s expansion of MAiD eligibility, arguing it entrenches ableism. Awards include the Royal Society of Canada Fellowship, UBC’s Killam Teaching Prize, and the 2025 University Killam Professor designation, UBC’s highest academic honor. Her research interests span criminal justice reform, gender and sexuality law, and the intersection of disability and legal rights. She collaborates with feminist and disability advocacy groups to shape policy and judicial outcomes. Key areas of focus include the ‘rough sex’ defense, consent frameworks, and sentencing disparities in intimate partner violence cases.
Dr. Reuben Binns is an Associate Professor of Human Centred Computing at the University of Oxford , where he investigates intersections between computer science, law, and philosophy. His research focuses on data protection , machine learning ethics , and regulation of technology .
Mustafa Aksu is a Professor at Istanbul University's Faculty of Law, Department of Civil Law. His research spans Civil Law , Intellectual Property Law , Information Law , and EU Legal Harmonization . He has advised 26 theses and published extensively on digital rights, family law, and obligations law. Research Interests: Focus on AI and law, copyright exhaustion in digital markets, EU-Turkey legal alignment, domain name regulation, and protection of computer programs. Publications: Recent works include AI's legal frameworks (2023), medical informatics law (2021), and digital exhaustion doctrine (2016). His research emphasizes cross-border IP enforcement and EU court precedents. Contact: Email aksum@istanbul.edu.tr | Office: Hukuk Fakültesi Binası, İkinci Kat, Oda No: 38, Beyazıt, Istanbul, Turkey.
G. Edward White is the John B. Minor Professor of Law and Professor of History at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he has taught since 1972. Holding joint appointments in law and history, he is one of the nation’s leading scholars of American legal history, constitutional law, and torts. Education B.A., Amherst College, 1963 M.A., Yale University, 1964 Ph.D., Yale University, 1967 J.D., Harvard Law School, 1970 Research Interests White’s scholarship integrates doctrinal analysis with rich historical narrative, focusing on the evolution of American legal thought from the Founding to the present. His work interrogates how landmark Supreme Court decisions, tort doctrines, and constitutional principles have both reflected and shaped broader intellectual and cultural currents. He has produced foundational studies on the Marshall Court, the Warren Court, and the intellectual history of tort law. Recent projects explore the Suspension Clause and habeas corpus in wartime, the constitutionalization of tort liability under the First Amendment, and the historical development of dignitary torts. He frequently employs biographical approaches, examining the jurisprudential legacies of figures such as Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Earl Warren, and Learned Hand. Scholarly Output Over five decades, White has authored more than a dozen major monographs—including Law in American History (2012), Tort Law in America (1980, rev. 2003), and The American Judicial Tradition (1976, rev. 2007)—and scores of influential articles. His recent publications (2015–2019) evidence sustained attention to habeas corpus, the historical emergence of tort law, and the interplay between constitutional doctrine and intangible harm, demonstrating both continuity and innovation in his research agenda. Honors and Fellowships John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship (1984–85) National Endowment for the Humanities Senior Fellowship (1977–78, 1983–84) American Bar Association Gavel Award (1979, 1981, 1983) David and Mary Harrison Distinguished Professor of Law (1986) Advising & Institutional Service White has directed numerous doctoral dissertations and served on editorial boards for leading journals. His leadership roles include participation in the American Society for Legal History and the American Bar Foundation, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between law and history. Laboratories & Research Groups While not laboratory-based, White’s intellectual home is the University of Virginia’s Program in Legal History, where he mentors graduate students and collaborates with colleagues in both the School of Law and the Corcoran Department of History.
John C. Watson is a tenured Associate Professor in the Journalism Division at American University's School of Communication . He combines 21 years of professional journalism with academic credentials including a Ph.D. in Mass Communication (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) and a J.D. (Rutgers School of Law - Newark). Ph.D. in Mass Communication, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill J.D. , Rutgers School of Law - Newark B.A. in Journalism, Rutgers University - New Brunswick His research focuses on media law , journalism ethics , and the legal frameworks shaping journalism . He advocates for professionalization and licensing of journalists to distinguish them from other content creators. Publications include a 2008 book, Journalism Ethics By Court Decree , and articles in law reviews and journals analyzing cases like New York Times v. Sullivan . Recent work explores newsroom diversity and justice system coverage . His scholarly output spans topics such as defamation , high-profile trials , libel tourism , and confidential sources , reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with constitutional law and ethical journalism . He received the Freedom Forum Ph.D. Fellowship (1996) . Watson teaches Communication Law (undergraduate and graduate) and has presented at the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (2008). He is currently working on a book titled Emissary: The Roles and Missions of Journalists of Color in Post-Racial America .
Volker Benkert serves as Associate Professor in Arizona State University's School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, with additional affiliations at the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, Melikian Center, Jewish Studies program, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Education: Dr. Phil., University of Potsdam Staatsexam, University of Bonn Studies in History and English at Universities of Edinburgh, St. Petersburg, and Fribourg Research Focus: Benkert investigates regime change impacts on biographies in 20th century Germany through biographical interviews and discourse analysis. His work examines transmission of apologetic historical narratives across generations, focusing on German-Jewish relations, Holocaust representation, and generational identity formation. Key methodologies include comparative genocide pedagogy and media memory studies , with publications spanning German reunification impacts and DDR generational studies. Publication Trends: Recent output (2013-2022) reveals three dominant strands: 1) Comparative genocide education (collaborative works on Holocaust/Rwanda pedagogy), 2) German generational history (particularly the "last DDR generation" born circa 1970), and 3) Critical analysis of Holocaust representation in German media. His edited volumes consistently explore memory politics through generational lenses. Scientific Awards: No awards documented in provided materials. Advising & Grants: Mentored seven Honors Theses and 35+ honors contracts at ASU, plus two Master's theses. Secured collaborative funding through Arizona Holocaust Education Initiative and partnerships with USC Shoah Foundation, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Anti-Defamation League for genocide education workshops. Research Teams: Co-organizes International Comparative Genocide Symposium and Terrortimes, Terrorscapes conference series. Leads ASU's Holocaust education initiatives with Jason Bruner and Lauren Harris, developing digital tools for comparative genocide teaching.
Sandra Robinson is an Associate Professor and Graduate Supervisor at the School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University. Her expertise lies in algorithms and platforms, data methodologies, privacy and surveillance, and social media. She is actively involved in research and graduate supervision, with a focus on communication, culture, regulation, gender and media, and AI. Education: PhD in Sociology – Queen’s University MA in Legal Studies – Carleton University MBA in Digital Technology Management – Royal Roads University BA in Anthropology – University of Alberta Research Interests: Dr. Robinson’s research spans communication, culture, and regulation, with a strong emphasis on gender and media, algorithm studies, artificial intelligence, and platform studies. She investigates how social media platforms shape public discourse, particularly in relation to misinformation, gendered narratives, and far-right populism. Her work also explores the intersections of big data and health surveillance, legal communication, and the pedagogical implications of platform-based learning. She is particularly interested in how digital infrastructures mediate power, identity, and control. Scientific Awards: Teaching Achievement Award (2017) Faculty of Public Affairs Teaching Fellowship (2017–2019) Grants and Supervision: Dr. Robinson is a co-investigator on a 5-year SSHRC Insight grant titled Populist Publics: Memory, Populism, and Misinformation in the Canadian Social Mediascape . She is available to supervise graduate students in areas related to her research interests.
Benjamin Hett is a Professor of History at Hunter College and the Graduate Center, CUNY. He holds a PhD from Harvard University and has taught at Harvard's History and Literature program before joining CUNY in 2003. His research focuses on German criminal law history, Nazi rise to power, and postwar legacies. Educational Background: B.A. in Political Science and English Literature (University of Alberta, 1987) J.D. (University of Toronto, 1990) M.A. in History (University of Toronto, 1995) PhD in History (Harvard University, 2001) Research Interests: Dr. Hett examines themes such as Nazi governance structures, legal frameworks in Imperial Germany, and the societal impact of National Socialism. His work bridges legal, political, and cultural dimensions of German history. Publications Trends: His books analyze pivotal moments like the Reichstag Fire (2014), Weimar Republic collapse (2018), and pre-war diplomatic maneuvering (2020). His writing often employs forensic history methods to reconstruct events. Awards: Fraenkel Prize (2007) Guggenheim Fellowship (2009) Hans Rosenberg Prize (2015) Vine Award (2019) Grants & Advising: Hett has held DAAD and SSHRC fellowships. He advises graduate students at Harvard Law School and CUNY, though no current advisees are listed. Labs/Teams: No formal lab affiliations mentioned, though his work collaborates with archival institutions like the Wiener Library.
Emily Laidlaw serves as Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Cybersecurity Law at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law, where she also holds appointments as Co-Director of the Canadian Network on Information and Security and Ethics Advisor to Calgary’s City Council. Her academic credentials include a PhD (2012) and LLM (2007) from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a JD (2002) from the University of Saskatchewan, and a BA in Communications (1998) from Linfield University. Dr. Laidlaw's research critically examines the intersection of digital technologies and fundamental rights, with primary focus on cybersecurity law, online harms regulation, platform accountability, privacy protections, and freedom of expression in networked environments. Her influential book Regulating Speech in Cyberspace (Cambridge University Press, 2015) established foundational frameworks for analyzing corporate responsibility in digital governance, while her ongoing work addresses emerging challenges in intimate image abuse legislation and cross-border data flows. Her publication record reveals consistent scholarly engagement with intermediary liability doctrines and digital tort reform across Canadian, UK, and European contexts, demonstrating particular expertise in developing legal mechanisms for addressing online defamation and non-consensual intimate imagery. Recent work increasingly examines the role of technology mindfulness in shaping privacy tort evolution and content moderation systems. Recognition for her impactful scholarship includes: Peak Scholar award from the University of Calgary (2018) Dr. Laidlaw directs significant research initiatives including an SSHRC Insight Grant on developing digital privacy torts, a MINDS Grant for the Canadian Network on Information and Security, and participation as co-investigator in the SSHRC Partnership Grant for Human-Centric Cybersecurity. She recently co-chaired the federal government's expert advisory panel on online safety legislation. Her institutional affiliations include leadership roles in the Institute for Security, Privacy and Information Assurance, membership on the Council of Canadian Academies Expert Panel on Public Safety in the Digital Age, and editorial positions with the European Journal of Law and Technology and International Cybersecurity Law Review.
Dr. Kenneth Grad is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law , University of Manitoba , specializing in criminal law, evidence, legal history, and human rights. His research examines hate speech regulation, constitutional law, and historical contexts of legal prosecutions. Education: B.A. (University of Toronto), M.A. (History, Queen’s University), J.D. and Ph.D. (Osgoode Hall Law School), LL.M. (Harvard Law School). Kenneth's scholarly work focuses on: Development of criminal sanctions for hate speech Legal history of Holocaust denial prosecutions in Canada Intersections of criminal law with constitutional protections Alternative civil remedies like the Marcus Hyman Act Impact of judicial precedents on bail procedures Evolution of self-defense doctrines in Canadian jurisprudence His publications span multiple peer-reviewed journals, with recent contributions addressing pandemic-related speech issues and comparative legal analysis. Kenneth's research combines doctrinal analysis, historical inquiry, and contemporary policy evaluation. Scientific Awards: 2023-24 R. Roy McMurtry Fellowship 2023 Switzer-Cooperstock Student Prize 2020-23 SSHRC Bombardier Doctoral Scholarship 2022 Peter Oliver Prize in Canadian Legal History Multiple scholarships and law prizes from Osgoode Hall Law School As a practicing attorney, Kenneth has appeared before all Ontario court levels and holds bar credentials in Ontario and New York. He previously clerked for Justice Morris Fish at the Supreme Court of Canada and practiced civil litigation in New York City.
