Utrecht Centre for Water, Oceans, and Sustainability Law

The Utrecht Centre for Water, Oceans and Sustainability Law of Utrecht University (UCWOSL) is one of the leading water law and governance research institutions in the Netherlands and in Europe. 

Its leading position in the area of water law and policy is partly due to international collaboration and a keen eye for the application of scientific insights into practice. Members of the research group advise international organisations, the European Commission and various Dutch and other governmental and private institutions and participate in various international consortia.

The research originally developed from two separated tracks over the past decades. On the one hand, the oceans track and, on the other, the fresh water track. 

The centre’s research leader is prof. mr. prof. mr. Marleen van Rijswick.