Lauren Gowler

Lauren Gowler is a DPhil candidate at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, supported by a doctoral fellowship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Her doctoral research explores dispute resolution processes in the repatriation of Indigenous cultural heritage, focusing on colonial-era restitution claims and the evolving relationships between UK museums and Indigenous communities from former settler colonies such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. She examines how dialogue-based approaches — such as mediation, negotiation, and Indigenous-led processes — can foster reconciliation and long-term partnerships beyond individual claims. Her research is supervised by Professor Fernanda Pirie.

Lauren is originally from Winnipeg, Canada (Treaty 1 Territory). Her previous academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Juris Doctor, both earned with distinction from the University of Manitoba, Canada. More recently, she completed her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Art, Business, and Law at Queen Mary University of London and the Institute of Art & Law, graduating with distinction.

Beyond her academic work, Lauren has been involved with organisations such as the Institute of Art & Law, the Art Loss Register, and the Canadian Museum Association.