The Empirical Legal Studies (ELS) Lab is the place for empirical legal research within the School of Law. The Lab serves as a platform for anyone interested in empirical research on the application, effects, and perspectives of law. In a dynamic and experimental environment, we use, share, and develop various empirical research skills and methods.
ELS Lab launch
The ELS Lab at Utrecht University was presented on September 1, 2025. The ELS Lab (Empirical Legal Studies) positions itself within Utrecht University as the premier place for collaborative empirical legal research. The Lab is a dynamic and experimental environment where empirical legal research skills are actively developed, shared, and applied. The ELS Lab is open to all researchers at the School of Law, regardless of background or experience. The official launch of the ELS Lab is on Friday, November 28th. Follow our LinkedIn page for more information.
Events
2025
- 14 November: VSR-VWR Symposium: Vulnerability and the Law - Multidisciplinary Perspectives
- 25 November: Seminar: One dataset, many answers – Understanding research variability in the social sciences
- 28 November: Kick-off ELS Lab (for UU staff)
- 10 December: Book Launch: Feminist and Queer Methodology in Law
2026
- 22-23 January: ESELS Conference: Empirical Perspectives on European Law