Hailing from the beautiful southern city of Granada, Pedro José Mercado Jaén joins the EUI as a first-year Law researcher with a rich and diverse educational background. His journey includes an Erasmus Mundus Master's degree in Sports Ethics and Integrity, a Master's degree in Legal Practice from the University of Granada, and a Master's degree in Sports Law from the University of Lleida-INEFC. Pedro has already amassed solid professional experience through his roles as a research fellow at the Centre for Sports and Human Rights in Switzerland, where he focused on child rights protection and eSports. Further expanding his expertise, he worked at the Asser International Sports Law Centre in The Hague and served as a guest lecturer at various educational institutions, including the University of Oregon's Summer Sports Law Program.
Pedro's attraction to the field of law lies in its structured framework for addressing complex societal issues and advocating for justice. He sees it as a powerful tool to protect the rights and dignity of individuals. It was the EUI's strong reputation and unwavering commitment to academic excellence that ultimately drew him to the Law Department.
Pedro's research focuses on the intersection of human rights and sports, with a specific emphasis on remedy mechanisms and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This area of study allows him to delve deep into the intricate relationship between sports and fundamental human rights. Motivated by the potential for positive change and a desire to amplify the voices of marginalised individuals in the sporting world, Pedro passionately pursues this research area. Through his research, Pedro aims to contribute to the broader understanding of the complex dynamics between sports and human rights. His ultimate goal is to raise awareness among diverse audiences about the importance of upholding human rights in the context of sports, ultimately fostering a world where empathy and human rights prevail, and ensuring protection and support for vulnerable groups. Looking at the future, he hopes to make a meaningful impact beyond academia, engaging with international organisations and sports institutions to drive positive change in the field.
Reflecting his commitment to making human rights concepts understandable to a wide audience and contributing to a more informed world, Pedro actively participates in the platform The Sports Ethics Examiner. Here, he translates complex legal frameworks and cases into accessible content for an international audience.
Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Pedro is a true sports enthusiast, not only in the realm of research but also in his personal life. He enjoys activities such as running, cycling, and playing basketball. Additionally, he proudly identifies himself as a 'coffee geek', with a dedicated morning routine that involves manually grinding coffee beans and spreading their rich aroma throughout his home.
We warmly welcome Pedro to the EUI community and eagerly anticipate the impactful contributions his research will bring to human rights in sports.