From 6 to 7 November 2025, the Department of International Law, in cooperation with the University of Bonn, organized a two-day doctoral seminar. Under the direction of Prof. Erika de Wet and Prof. Matthias Herdegen, doctoral candidates presented current findings from their research projects. Students also had the opportunity to present topics in international law and take part in stimulating discussions.
On the first day of the seminar, four doctoral candidates from the University of Graz presented excerpts from their dissertation projects. The topics ranged from legal challenges related to rising sea levels and the expansion of the right to self-defense under Article 51 UN Charter to possible concepts for refugee protection for non-signatory states of the Refugee Convention and legal frameworks for international cooperation in the field of energy security.
A further highlight of the seminar was a visit to the Styrian Armoury, followed by a joint dinner that offered participants the chance to get to know one another in a relaxed setting and to exchange experiences about academic life in Austria and Germany.
On the second day, doctoral candidates and students from the University of Bonn presented their dissertation projects and seminar papers. The two doctoral candidates discussed complex issues such as the proportionality of civilian collateral damage in armed conflicts and the risks posed by accelerated legislative procedures with regard to the protection of parliamentary rights.
The seminar concluded with presentations by two students, who discussed their seminar papers on highly topical subjects such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the ICC arrest warrant against the Israeli Prime Minister.
The wide range of topics gave rise to lively and in-depth discussions. Through this intense academic exchange and the valuable feedback from the two professors, the doctoral candidates and students gained important insights and inspiration for their research work.
The Institute of International Law warmly thanks all participants for their engaging contributions and enriching discussions and looks forward to continuing this successful collaboration in the future.