Global Harm, Local Justice: The Future of Cross-border Torts

A call for papers has been issued in view of a virtual conference titled Global Harm, Local Justice: The Future of Cross-Border Torts, which will take place on 6 February 2026 at the University of Groningen, designed specifically for early-career scholars working in the field of private international law.

This event aims to create a dynamic and supportive environment for emerging scholars to present their work, engage in critical discussion and receive constructive feedback from established academics and peers. We welcome theoretical, comparative and practice-oriented contributions that address the growing complexity of tort-related issues in a globalised, digital and technologically mediated world. 

The conference will provide early career researchers with the unique opportunity to present their work and receive feedback from leading experts in the field of substantive tort law and private international law. This dual perspective allows participants to engage both with private international law and the foundations of liability and remedies offered by substantive tort law. While private international law frames the jurisdictional and choice-of-law dimensions of cross-border disputes, any analysis requires grounding in the substantive principles that govern liability, causation and remedies within domestic tort systems. Substantive law expertise will help to uncover how divergences between legal systems shape conflicts problems. 

Proposals may be submitted by current PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and graduates who obtained their PhD within the last 3 years. Those wishing to submit a paper must send an abstract of 300-500 words and a short bio (max 150 words) to K.C. (Kirsten) Henckel (k.c.henckel@rug.nl) by 1 December 2025.

Further information on the initiative can be found here.