School of Law welcomes new Laidlaw Scholars

The Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme aims to develop a new generation of leaders.

The Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme was established in 2014 thanks to the generous donation by Lord Irvine Laidlaw and the Laidlaw Foundation. The program initially focused on a one-year research experience supplemented with training and leadership development.

Over the years, this scholarship has evolved significantly, now spanning two years, and encompassing two summers of diverse projects—one focused on research and the other on leadership in action. This evolution has transformed the Laidlaw Programme into a comprehensive and prestigious scholarship designed to support the next generation of leaders.

This year, the School of Law is thrilled to welcome two Laidlaw scholars into our community who will be working in impactful research projects in collaboration with academics. 

Summer 2024 Laidlaw Scholars: Roxana

Roxana-Andreea Tuinea-Bobe, a first-year law student at the University of Leeds and an interpreter in her local community, is working on a project titled, ‘Addressing Sexual Assault Legislation in the Metaverse’, supervised by Dr Rebecca Shaw. The project tackles a pressing issue in our increasingly digital world by exploring legal solutions to virtual crimes, highlighting the importance of legislation in safeguarding individuals in virtual spaces.

Reflecting on her motivation to apply for the Laidlaw Scholarship, Roxana recognises that she values the programme’s vision of cultivating a new generation of well-rounded, ethical leaders who are equipped to tackle the pressing challenges of our time. She says:

As a first-generation immigrant, I have come to appreciate the profound importance of a society grounded in equality and diversity. I believe that a collaborative world is a better world, and this scholarship aligns perfectly with my aspiration to become a leader who drives positive societal impact.

As such, the Laidlaw Programme offers Roxana an opportunity to join a dynamic community of scholars committed to creating a more inclusive and progressive future.

“Being part of this network will place me in an ever-growing community of like-minded scholars who share my vision of a brighter, and more accepting future, where together we can put an end to the ongoing cycle of prejudice and ignorance that is still haunting our system,” Roxana explains. “Together with my peers, I want to build a community dedicated to implementing meaningful change and creating a safer world.”

While she recognises that the application process was stressful at times, Roxana also highlights that the process allowed her to demonstrate her passion for this topic and received support from the Undergraduate Research team.

Thinking about the future of her research, Roxana expresses an interest in creating positive global impact and leading in the field. She says:

“While I do not know exactly how this will take shape in the future, I do know that having done the programme will equip me with the necessary skills to tackle any career goal I have in the future.”

Summer 2024 Laidlaw Scholars: Fin

Fin Durnin-Duffy, an undergraduate student in Modern Languages (Arabic) and Linguistics, is another Laidlaw Scholar that will be doing research at the School of Law this Summer.

Fin has a background in languages and international studies. She completed her first year at the University of Leeds and then spent her second year studying at the Arabic Language Institute in Fès, Morocco.

Fin will be working on a research project titled, ‘Contemporary Social History of the Regulation of Internationally-Trained Nurses in Britain,’ as part of the ‘Making it to the Registers’ project, whose primary investigator is Professor Marie-Andrée Jacob from the School of Law. As Fin explains, the project is related to her previous academic experiences: 

“I am excited to work on this project as when I was studying in Morocco, I did some research surrounding access to healthcare and the movement of Moroccan trained doctors and nurses to developed countries.” 

Fin was drawn to the Laidlaw Scholarship by the opportunity to travel and conduct meaningful research. Like Roxana, she found the application process challenging but recognises the support and guidance provided throughout the application process.

Looking ahead, Fin looks forward to leveraging this experience to explore potential career paths in law and healthcare.

Interested in becoming a Laidlaw Scholar?

The Laidlaw Scholarship is a transformative experience that shapes future leaders. If you are a student with a passion for research, a desire to lead, and a commitment to making a difference, the Laidlaw Scholarship is for you. This program offers multiple opportunities to engage in impactful research, develop leadership skills, and join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.

To learn more about the Laidlaw Scholarship and how to apply, please click here