In September, doctoral and postgraduate researchers Lizeth Moreno Marquez, Tayo Gbemi, Andrew Walters, James Dodge, and Pierre de Gioia Carabellese from the Law School participated in the PhD Course in Comparative Law and Comparative Legal Methods, hosted by the University of Bergen in Norway. The course welcomed participants from diverse legal backgrounds and regions worldwide, creating a truly international and intellectually stimulating environment.
Interactive workshops and engaging discussions with fellow candidates and professors allowed attendees to deepen their understanding of comparative legal methods, concepts, and theories. The course placed a strong emphasis on practical application, equipping researchers with the skills necessary to incorporate comparative legal perspectives into their individual research projects.
Lizeth Moreno Marquez (an ACCPIL member) described the course as a deeply rewarding experience. She shared, “It was incredibly supportive, intellectually engaging, and deeply enriching. The specialised feedback I received on my research —which includes a comparative analysis between Mexico and Spain— was particularly valuable and will certainly shape the next stages of my work.”
Reflecting on the experience, Tayo Gbemi, whose research bridges Global South and Global North perspectives on environmental and participatory governance in energy licensing noted: “Over the course, we explored the practical strengths and constraints of comparative research across the board, examined the role of AI in comparative research, and engaged in rich discussions on legal methodology. I am left with indelible memories of lively academic exchanges, collaborative learning, strategic research auditing, and fine dining in a scenic environment.”