Discover the diversity of legal impact in a new magazine
The new magazine, Law Unboxed, shows how legal researchers at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) are using their expertise to bring about meaningful social change. Start to read all about it: from tackling big tech and big pharma, to abetting radical changes in the labour market and fighting for climate justice. “In law, impact is often interwoven into our day-to-day work, even if we don’t always call it that. Much of it is intrinsically motivated.”
Introducing Law Unboxed
The journal Law unboxed aims to highlight the multifaceted societal impact of the University of Amsterdam’s Faculty of Law, and thereby showcase the broader potential of the social sciences and humanities. There is a common misconception that societal impact cannot be measured. Consequently, impact is often not properly understood.
“In law, impact is often interwoven into our day-to-day work, even if we don’t always call it that. Much of it is intrinsically motivated. If someone wants to run a legal advice centre, some funding might be needed – but policy advice or social engagement often arise simply because people consider them important,” explains Mireille van Eechoud, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Amsterdam, in Law Unboxed
Examples of inspiring legal impact
There are many examples of the impactful contributions made by legal researchers. Consider, for instance, legislation and policy relating to the self-employed, informal employment, artificial intelligence in healthcare, the regulation of digital platforms and consumer protection. Through events, training courses and advisory groups, they are closely involved with policymakers in the EU and national governments. A recent example is the largest climate case ever heard at the International Court of Justice, where research helped determine the outcome.
Mireille van Eechoud goes on to say: “Impact must be valued just as much as teaching and research. You can’t always do everything at once – nor do you have to. Sometimes you work on a policy project, then you focus on teaching or writing again. The point is that people should be able to contribute to what they do best at the right time – and that the system makes that possible.”
