Research method and strategy

The scientific research of the research group departs from the classic legal research which aims at mapping the existing law and its developments, at understanding and explaining its specific legal and social scope, at analysing  the shortcomings in light of the objectives of the various disciplines concerned and at developing proposals for improvement. Intradisciplinarity or, in other words, the interaction between the various branches of law are at the centre of the research group’s work. National law as well as European and international law and their interconnection will be dealt with in this respect, with special attention for the approach of the research questions in terms of fundamental and human rights. Comparative law too will be focused on. Furthermore, special attention will be paid to the social context in which these developments take place (law in context). Where useful the law will be perceived in an interdisciplinary manner in interaction with, among other things, its psychological, criminological, sociological, economic and historical environment. Special attention will be given to forensic psychology and integrated safety research. The interdisciplinary character of the research allows us to focus on  empirical research.

The research group wishes to strike a sound balance between individual and collective research. Even though the collective aim is  an existential condition for the research group and essential for its identity, this aim must not hinder the individual researcher’s free analysis and decision-making. Neither may the general research subject matter exclude other research subjects. Indeed, appendant research can be very fruitful for the research within the central and general subject matter, i.e. optimal enforcement of  private, criminal and social law.

The research group wants to attract, continue and start various types of scientific research. This is necessary  given the diversity of the disciplines the research group deals with. By definition the aspects and objectives of law research are highly diverse. The research group will focus on fundamental research (including PhD research) as well as on practice-oriented or policy-supporting research (which in our view can also be fundamental research). The scientific research will automatically result in publications (articles in journals, edited volumes, chapters in books, notes,..) and congresses.

The research group also wants to find a sound balance between national and international publications. Internationalisation is an important  element of the research. However, it should be emphasised that because of its nature the general subject matter will mainly be dealt with in publications concerning national law.