The University of Essex Podcast

Why do we still use economic models which have been overtaken by the march of technology argues Professor Edward Tsang Director of the Centre for Computational Finance and Economic Agents (CCFEA) at the University of Essex. Professor Tsang will be speaking at Cafe Scientifique on Wednesday 12 February: http://www.essex.ac.uk/events/event.aspx?e_id=6241

Dr Andrew Fagan, of our School of Law and Human Rights Centre, explains why he thinks boycotting the Sochi Winter Olympics in protest against Russia's homosexuality laws, would be counter-productive to furthering human rights.

As we sign a landmark memorandum of understanding with the UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), which will offer greater research opportunities as well as internships and research experience for our students, Essex graduate Anna Magdalena Ruesch talks about her internship in Geneva. Anna, who worked in the Public and National Security Unit in the Division of International Protection at UNHCR headquarters, explains how the experience has helped her gain a greater understanding of refugee law. Find out more: http://www.essex.ac.uk/news/event.aspx?e_id=6210

Professor Geoff Gilbert of our School of Law and Human Rights centre, explains our landmark memorandum of understanding with the UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), the first of its kind in the UK. He explains how the partnership will offer greater research possibilities as well as research experience and internships for our postgraduate students. Find out more: http://www.essex.ac.uk/news/event.aspx?e_id=6210

As part of Holocaust Memorial Week at the University of Week a Human Library was created with volunteers becoming 'human books' which visitors could choose to talk to and discover new perspectives and experiences. The idea was to encourage understanding and investigate discrimination. For more information got to: http://www.essex.ac.uk/history/holocaust_memorial_week/

Internationally-renowned expert on British politics, Professor David Sanders, tells us about being appointed the UK’s first Regius Professor of Political Science. He also explains why the University of Essex has built up such a strong reputation for research and education in this field.

Melissa Tyler, Professor of Work and Organization Studies in Essex Business School, discusses her ethnographic research in sex retail shops in London's Soho. She draws on the concept of dirty work to explore the ways in which the various taints associated with dirty work – physical, social and moral – are lived and experienced. She examines the allure of this particular type of work for those who perform it, with a particular focus on Soho as a workplace. For more information, please email Professor Tyler at [email protected].

Professor Michael Freeman, of the Department of Government and Human Rights Centre, is the latest contributor to the Routledge Handbook of International Human Rights Law to talk about his chapter. In this interview Professor Freeman explains the universal nature of international human rights laws, the challenges posed by cultural diversity in implementing those laws, and how the social sciences can help us better understand resistance to human rights laws. Find out more: http://www.essex.ac.uk/news/event.aspx?e_id=6154

In the latest interview with our Essex academics who have contributed chapters to the Routledge Handbook of International Human Rights Law, Professor Sir Nigel Rodley explains the role of non-state actors and how he thinks individual governments should take greater responsibility for administering justice within their own countries. Find out more: http://www.essex.ac.uk/news/event.aspx?e_id=6118

Dr Clara Sandoval, of our School of Law and Human Rights Centre, talks about the importance of the inter-American system of human rights and her experiences litigating, observing, writing and teaching on the system. This is the latest in our podcast series of interviews with Essex academics who have contributed to the newly-launched Routledge Handbook of International Human Rights Law. Find out more: http://www.essex.ac.uk/news/event.aspx?e_id=6118