Meet Sjors Polm, a first-year researcher hailing from Amsterdam where he pursued degrees in social sciences (BA), law (LLB, LLM res.), and philosophy (BA, MA). Prior to embarking on his PhD journey, Sjors gained valuable experience as a junior lecturer and research assistant to Professors André Nollkaemper and Göran Sluiter.
What Sjors finds most exciting about the legal discipline is the willingness of legal scholars to explore questions wherever they may lead, undaunted by disciplinary boundaries. When asked about his choice of the EUI for his doctoral studies, Sjors explains that the Institute's unique combination of a structured programme and the freedom for students to choose their research topics was a significant draw. He also values the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of researchers and the extra academic opportunities the EUI offers.
Sjors' current research project is about a group of activists who initiated a practice of holding trials and promulgating laws without state authorisation. The project will consist of a history of the group's activities covering the first two Russell Tribunals, the Algiers Declaration, and the establishment of the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal. Notable figures involved in these initiatives were Bertrand Russell, Simone de Beauvoir, and Antonio Cassese. By means of this historical research project, Sjors hopes to contribute to a deeper understanding of how social movements rethink and strategically utilise international law.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Sjors enjoys spending his time on cycling adventures and attending jazz concerts.
We are thrilled to welcome Sjors to the Law Department. His passion for exploring the frontiers of international law will undoubtedly enrich our academic community.