The first half of 2026 may have rolled past speedily, but its footprints remain stamped across my personal and professional journey. The period has been marked by growth, learning and meaningful engagements that continue to shape my research trajectory.
Some highlights of the past months include:
- Writing Retreat (23-27 March 2026) - A weeklong writing retreat at the Burn, bringing together researchers from the University of Aberdeen School of Law and the University of Bergen Faculty of Law. The collaborative environment presented a refreshing avenue to refine ideas and strengthen academic networks. The career and publishing workshops with Professors Peter Cserne, Andrew Simpsom and Soren offered the delegates some high-quality perspectives on academic career pathways, and publishing during and post-PhD stage.
- The OECD Conference on Investment Treaties (30 March) – the conference offered a timely consideration on the shifting structure of investment governance. It anchored on three interwoven developments: the growing move toward State-to-State Dispute Settlement (SSDS) as a sole binding mechanism in treaties, the challenges of implementing investment facilitation commitments, and the renewed attention to investment contracts and their interactions with treaty-based obligations.
- Professional Arbitration Skills summer course (25 May – 5 June) – Having first personally attended the summer course in 2023, I can attest to its significant contribution to my development in international arbitration. The course was delivered by seasoned international arbitration practitioners, equipping students with invaluable knowledge, practical insights and professional skills. The modules examined contemporary issues in international arbitration, drawing on practical insights and comparative perspectives across diverse jurisdictions. This blend of theoretical frameworks and practical approach offered students a dynamic and well-rounded understanding of arbitration in a global context.
Special thanks to the course coordinator, Dr Gloria Alvarez, for extending the opportunity to provide support for the course in my capacity as teaching assistant again this year, and to the speakers for their invaluable contributions – Martha Leishman, Dr. David R. Parratt KC FCIArb, Rahul Donde, Prof Derek Auchie, Jose Gregorio Torrealba, Elliot Geisinger and Amanda J. Lee, FCIArb. It was particularly meaningful.
- University of Aberdeen School of Law’s Research Festival (27 – 28 May) – I had the privilege to present my ongoing research on “ISDS Regime under the ECOWAS Framework” at the School of Law’s Research Festival. The session offered a valuable opportunity to situate my work within the broader scholarly debates, engage critically with colleagues across disciplines, and test the theoretical grounding of my argument before an informed research community. The discussion that ensued was exceptionally constructive, refining some aspects of my analysis and highlighting the pertinence of regional investment governance within contemporary discussions on ISDS reform.
- University of Edinburgh School of Law’s Comparative Law Conference (8 June) – This conference provided a stimulating and intellectually enriching academic environment to exchange comparative insights and deepen interdisciplinary perspectives. The discussions broadened my conceptual framework and underscored the value of situating regional legal developments within wider comparative debates.
- The 2026 Scottish Arbitration Centre Training Day (24 June) – This training offered another valuable opportunity to engage with current developments in Scottish arbitration, specifically the practical operation of the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010. The programme was hosted by the Scottish Arbitration Centre. It featured an introduction by the CEO and Registrar of the Centre, Andrew MacKenzie, an inspiring welcome by Gillian Carmichael Lemaire and an engaging keynote address by Lady Sarah Wolffe KC, followed by resourceful contributions from David Bartos, Craige Shepherd, Duncan Bagshaw KC, Rachael Kelsey and Scott McAlpine KC. Their insights collectively provided a nuanced understanding of Scotland’s arbitration landscape, underscoring both the theoretical foundations and practical considerations. The day concluded with an informal networking session, creating a relaxed atmosphere for exchanging ideas, building professional connections, and forming new acquaintances.
Kicking off the second half of 2026
Stepping into the second half of the year couldn’t have been more interesting than celebrating School of Law’s Class of 2026 on 1 July at the University of Aberdeen’s summer graduation ceremony, which took place between 29 June and 3 July 2026. Congratulations to all the graduates.I found my participation at the International Trade Centre’s webinar on “Investment Facilitation: synergies between the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the AfCFTA Investment Protocol – the state of play is almost here” on 3 July an exceptional resourceful and well spent 45-minute lunch break.
The session was moderated by Karl P Sauvant and provided a remarkably substantive exploration of how domestic investment agencies can practically harmonise the implementation of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Investment. The panelists were Makane Moise Mbegue, Claudia Locatelli and Quan Zhao. They outlined actionable steps for aligning institutional processes, improving coordination, and anticipating the administrative and procedural demands of dual-framework implementation. The webinar also clarified the criteria and procedural requirements for accessing the World Trade Organization (WTO) Needs Assessment, a self-assessment tool for capacity development under the IFD framework.
WTO Member States were encouraged to articulate procedural rules that reflect and respond to the specific institutional, regulatory and administrative conditions prevailing within their domestic legal systems. Although this approach ostensibly promotes flexibility, it also risks creating conflicting national models that may complicate coherence and predictability within the multilateral framework. The webinar delivered valuable insights in a compact format and attracted a global audience.These engagements have undoubtedly enriched my 2026, offering fresh breaths of training and learning with choice experts delivering quality resources in international arbitration.
Appointment
Crowning this period is my recent appointment as the PGR/PGT Coordinator of Aberdeen Centre for Commercial Law and the opportunity the role provides. I welcome this responsibility with enthusiasm, fully aware of the opportunities it presents for meaningful academic support as well as challenges inherent in stirring postgraduate engagements. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Centre’s Co-Directors and Associate Directors in advancing its vision and strengthening the research culture it fosters. execution of this role alongside the executive committee of the Centre.
I remain grateful to the Aberdeen University School of Law and individuals who have contributed to my research progression. The opportunities, support, guidance, and collaboration continue to enrich my academic journey.
