Joint Research Seminar of the University of Vienna, QMUL and University Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne – Third Edition by Thomas Gauvin Roussel (LL.M. London, class 2023) & Ipek Ince (LL.M. London, class 2023)

When: Monday, February 3, 2025 - Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Queen Mary University of London, University of London Institute in Paris, 9-11 rue de Constantine , 75340 Paris Cedex 07, France

Joint Research Seminar of the University of Vienna, QMUL and University Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne – Third Edition by Thomas Gauvin Roussel (LL.M. London, class 2023) & Ipek Ince (LL.M. London, class 2023)

Building on the success of previous editions 2023 and 2024, Queen Mary University of London’s (QMUL) School of International Arbitration once again collaborated with the University of Vienna and the Sorbonne Law School (Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne) to co-organise the third edition of the Joint Research Seminar on international arbitration in Paris.

This year’s seminar took place on the 3rd and 4th of February 2025 in QMUL’s Paris campus situated in the sumptuous heart of the French capital. Over two days, LL.M. and PhD students, as well as professors, from the participating universities engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas on key issues in international arbitration.

The discussions covered a wide spectrum of topics related to both commercial and investment arbitration, as well more sector-specific issues such as the influence of recent Court of Justice of the EU’s decisions on sports arbitration and the emergence of blockchain-based arbitration in tech disputes. While some presentations casted new light on fundamental topics – including efficiency, standards of proof and arbitrator impartiality – others offered a deep dive in narrow subjects such as the testimony of legal experts and the drafting of Most-Favoured-Nation clauses in investment treaties.

Beyond the formal presentations, the seminar fostered invaluable networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers and experts in their field. In particular, a dinner at the historic Parisian cabaret Au port du Salut was the site of vibrant discussions which mirrored the depth and diversity of contemporary arbitration.

Special thanks are extended to Professors Maxi Scherer and Dr. Maria Fanou (School of International Arbitration, Queen Mary University of London), Christian Koller (University of Vienna), as well as Mathias Audit and Sylvain Bollé (University Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne) for their dedication in, once again, making this event possible. 

This rich initiative highlights and contributes to QMUL’s well-deserved reputation as a leader in the academic study of international arbitration. As participants in this year’s seminar, we hope for the continued growth of this yearly project and to see countless future cohorts of QMUL students benefit from this enriching experience!

More information:

• Find out more about studying the Comparative and International Dispute Resolution LLM at Queen Mary in London.
• Find out more about studying the CIDR LLM programme in Paris.
• Red more about Queen Mary's School of International Arbitration and their work.