ACIL Early Career Researcher (ECR) Seminars
The Amsterdam Center for International Law hosts a series of Early Career Researcher Seminars that bring ACIL’s PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers into conversation with the distinguished scholars visiting for the ACIL Lecture Series.
In these small, research-focused sessions, early-career colleagues share work in progress and receive tailored feedback from leading international experts. The format creates space for thoughtful exchange and intellectual curiosity, strengthening connections across ACIL’s research community and opening pathways for further collaboration.
The seminars also offer visiting scholars an opportunity to engage more deeply with ACIL’s emerging researchers and to gain insight into the diverse projects underway at the Centre. A record of past seminars and visiting speakers is maintained below.
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Speakers
- Professor Anne Orford (11 November 2024)
- Dr Dimitri van den Meersche (19 May 2025)
- Professor Martti Koskenniemi (7 Oct 2025)
- Judge Hilary Charlesworth (10 Nov 2025)
- Professor Gina Heathcote (21 Nov 2025)
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Participation
The ECR Seminars are a relatively new initiative at ACIL, and we are currently in the process of formalising and streamlining how participation is organised.
To ensure that all early-career researchers have the opportunity to take part, invitations are sent on a rotational basis, and we aim to match participants with guest lecturers whose work aligns with their research interests.
If you have not yet been invited, this is likely due to the novelty of the scheme and the gradual rollout of the rotation and matching process. If you are concerned you might not be on our list, please feel free to reach out to a.m.crean@uva.nl or m.heipertz@uva.nl.
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Seminar Format
Session structure
- Small-group session with 4–6 participants
- Short 5-minute presentations of work-in-progress
- Focused feedback and discussion with the guest lecturer
Preparation
- Participants submit a one-page abstract ahead of time
- Optional guiding questions for the visiting scholar
The seminars are followed by a shared lunch with the guest lecturer, allowing discussion to continue in a relaxed setting.
The seminars are facilitated in close collaboration with ACIL’s director, Andrea Leiter, who supports the initiative and moderates the sessions.