Dr. Lavinia S.J. Kortese is assistant professor in EU law at the Department of International and European Law at the Utrecht School of Law. She obtained her doctorate on the recognition of qualifications from Maastricht University in 2020. Through her doctoral research Lavinia developed a thorough understanding of legal instruments and policy initiatives on recognition applicable in the EU and its Member States. Her research interests beyond the recognition of qualifications include topics related to the EU internal market (fundamental freedoms), education in the EU, migration, and health. As part of her research activities, Lavinia is particularly interested in what may be described as the law in action, i.e. the connection between research findings to societal developments, issues, and questions. Examples of her activities where this connection comes to fruition include her 2016 secondment to the Benelux Secretariat General in Brussels and extensive participation in project research on behalf of European, national, and regional stakeholders.