PhD Training 2025: Looking Back

Legal Activism in Human Rights PhD Research

The 2025 1st and 2nd year PhD training took place on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May 2025 at Leiden University. It explored the intersection between legal scholarship and activism within the field of human rights. Through a series of lectures, seminars, and discussions, participants engaged with leading academics and practitioners. The training provided insights into how legal research can inform and support human rights activism, addressing both the opportunities and challenges that arise when scholars engage with advocacy. Participants critically examined the role of legal frameworks in advancing human rights, discussed the ethical and methodological implications of activist-oriented research, and explored practical strategies for integrating activism into their academic work. Beyond the formal sessions, the training offered a valuable opportunity for participants to meet fellow PhD researchers, exchange ideas, and build a network of colleagues working on similar topics. A programme overview can be found here.