Double success for Northumbria PhD law graduate

A recent PhD graduate from Northumbria has celebrated her doctorate by securing a career-enhancing promotion in the UK civil service.

After six years of part time study alongside full-time work, Dr Eva Szewczyk has just gained a PhD from Northumbria Law School. Her research has focussed on emerging technologies, centred around the legal aspects of autonomous transport and the development of uncrewed shipping. And within days of graduating, her expertise has led to a promotion within the Department of Business and Trade where she has been leading a policy unit within the international maritime trade team. She has also secured a diplomatic posting.

Dr Szewczyk believes having a research background with Northumbria in maritime law and other emerging transport technologies has helped considerably in her career progression. Having studied for a first degree in law and then a Masters at Newcastle University, she chose Northumbria for her PhD because of the Law School’s knowledge and teaching in less explored areas of law such as maritime and space law.

She explained: “When I was looking at research opportunities in legal implications and solutions for novel and emerging technologies, I recognised that Northumbria had academics with real international expertise and a strong focus on innovation. The intersection of law and technology is a dynamic and complex field. While maritime and space law may not immediately appear directly linked, both domains undergo rapid advancements that continually reshape the legal landscape. I knew this type of expertise would give me the building blocks and academic support that I would need for my cutting-edge PhD research.”

Commenting further on her research, Dr Szewczyk added: “Six years ago, research into law and emerging technologies was in its infancy, making it an exciting time to be involved in this fascinating field. With advancements such as self-driving cars, the emergence of uncrewed shipping raises substantial public trust issues concerning safety and the associated legal implications. Questions about legal and financial responsibilities in case of accidents arise: who bears liability and whether there is adequate insurance. Maritime transport is also the backbone of international trade, with over 80% of goods transported by sea. The emergence of autonomous shipping presents a legally fascinating and complex landscape, with potentially wide-ranging impacts on global economic activities.”

Dr Craig Laverick, Assistant Professor of Maritime and Commercial Law at Northumbria, said: “Dr Szewczyk has progressed through the ranks of the Civil Service while working toward her PhD, so I’m delighted to see her success – both academically and in her career. Her research has been of the highest quality and has led to her being invited to present at a high-profile conferences, including a recent International Maritime Organisation symposium. It is great to see Northumbria graduates like Dr Szewczyk advancing our understanding of maritime law.”

For more information on studying at Northumbria Law School please visit: www.northumbria.ac.uk/law