Advanced Masterclass in Socio-Legal Studies strengthens Oxford–Leiden collaboration

The Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) recently welcomed colleagues from the Van Vollenhoven Institute for Law, Governance and Society (VVI), of Leiden University, for an Advanced Masterclass in Socio-Legal Studies. Convened by Professors Fernanda Pirie and Agnieszka Kubal (CSLS), together with Professors Adriaan Bedner and Maartje van der Woude (VVI), the intensive three-day programme brought together doctoral researchers from Oxford and Leiden for an engaging programme of discussion, collaboration and academic exchange.

The Masterclass featured expert-led sessions on ethnic profiling at the border, law beyond the state, legal consciousness, and access to justice, with opportunities for students to present their research and exchange ideas. A career development session rounded off the programme, offering practical advice on postdoctoral funding and academic publishing.

Throughout the Masterclass, participants explored shared interests across a wide range of socio-legal themes while comparing different methodological approaches.

Reflecting on the experience, CSLS doctoral student Roxane Agon said:

I found the exchange with students from Leiden particularly valuable because we were able to compare very different research projects and see how they spoke to similar themes. Listening to other perspectives really helped me think more creatively about my own research.

Professor Fernanda Pirie, Director of CSLS, reflected on the event:

What better way to celebrate the end of the academic year than a Masterclass with colleagues from the Van Vollenhoven Institute in Leiden? We debated private orders, legal consciousness, access to justice and more; we brainstormed the challenges of publishing; and, over great Thai food and the hospitality of Jesus College, strengthened friendships as well as academic collaborations. Socio-legal studies has a bright future on both sides of the Channel. In Oxford, we cannot wait for a return visit to the beautiful city of Leiden.

The Advanced Masterclass highlighted the strength of the connections between Oxford and Leiden and reaffirmed the value of international collaboration in advancing socio-legal scholarship and supporting the next generation of researchers.