Elizabeth Nwarueze

Elizabeth Nwarueze is a DPhil In Law Candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Trinity College. She researches international law with a focus on law of the sea. Her doctoral research is on the role of private actors in the law of the sea and maritime operations. 

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Laws from University of Ibadan, a BCL and MPhil in Law from University of Oxford. She has studied at the Hague Academy of International Law (Directed Studies 2022), the Yeosu Academy of the Law of the Sea (2022) and International Law Seminar (2024). Before starting her studies at Oxford, Elizabeth was called to the Nigerian Bar and practised as legal associate at a top-tier law firm.

In addition to studying, Elizabeth has participated in milestone legal development in international maritime affairs including the final negotiations and adoption of the The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). She has also contributed to regional ocean policy documents with the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute and Atlantic Centre, Portugal.

Elizabeth's research has been published in the Routledge Handbook on Climate Law and Governance, Temple University International and Comparative Law Journal and the Journal of Conflict, Security and Development, in addition to blogposts on specific matters in law of the sea. She has discussed her research at the United States Naval War College and the Korean Maritime Institute. At Oxford, Elizabeth has taught Peace and Conflict.

Elizabeth currently advises the Group of African States on the adoption of the NetZero Framework for shipping decarbonisation (MARPOL Chapter V) at the International Maritime Organisation.