About ELS Lab
The Empirical Legal Studies (ELS) Lab is the place for empirical legal research within the School of Law. In a dynamic and experimental environment, we use, share, and develop various empirical research skills and methods. The Lab stimulates knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation. We organize, among other things, an annual researchers' day, hands-on workshops on research methods, and guest lectures. Through these activities, the Lab provides an inspiring and open environment where researchers can share, deepen, and renew their expertise.
Our core functions
- Meeting place: bringing together colleagues from different disciplines
- Information hub: accessible point of contact for small and large questions about empirical legal research
- Knowledge sharing: organizing workshops, lectures, and other activities focused on empirical research methods
- Visibility: promoting empirical research within the Department of Law
- Bridge builder: strengthening connections between Utrecht, national, and European initiatives in the field of ELS
The ELS Lab is open to all researchers from the Department of Law, regardless of background and experience.
The Lab is the successor to the research cluster Empirical Research into Institutions for conflict resolution (ERI). ERI started in 2019 as part of the then Law Sector Plan.