As the YERUN network continues to foster meaningful collaborations across Europe, the YERUN Research Mobility Awards (YRMA) stand out as a catalyst for early and mid-career researchers seeking to advance impactful, interdisciplinary, and cross-border projects. With each edition, the YRMA Voices series brings to life the stories behind the research—showcasing how this unique mobility experience shapes academic journeys, expands professional networks, and inspires innovation.
In this 4th edition of YRMA Voices, we spotlight the experiences of two outstanding researchers—Dr Koldo Casla from the University of Essex and Dr Jingjing Wu from the University of Southern Denmark—whose YRMA-funded exchanges have deepened their scholarly engagement and sparked lasting partnerships. Through their reflections, we see the power of mobility not just in generating research outputs, but in nurturing the conversations, collaborations, and communities that drive academic progress.
What impact did the YERUN Research Mobility Award have on your research and professional development?
Dr Jingjing Wu: “The YERUN Research Mobility Award has facilitated my research stay at NOVA University Lisbon in early 2023, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with the renowned ArgLab, one of European leading argumentation research institutes. These interactions have not only enriched my understanding of argumentation theory but also expanded my professional network, fostering collaborations that will undoubtedly influence my future research endeavours. One of the most notable outcomes of this research stay was the completion of my article ‘Rights of Nature and Indigenous Spirituality: A Case of Ecuador,’ published in Retfærd 2024. This work explores the use of spiritual reasoning in the Rights of Nature law, a topic of growing importance in the global environmental legal landscape. This is also an exploratary research for my Marie Curie European Postdoc project. The YERUN Research Mobility Award has been instrumental in advancing my academic career. The insight and connection I have made during my research exchange have equipped me with new perspectives and tools to tackle complex legal issues, reinforcing my commitment to contributing to the field of law with innovative and impactful research.”
Dr Koldo Casla: “Thanks to the award, my co-author Marion Sandner (from Antwerp and Hasselt) and I had the opportunity to put together the paper that we were so eager to write: ‘Solidarity as Foundation of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights’. It was finally published open access in Human Rights Law Review (Vol. 24, Issue 2, 2024). We also wrote an introductory post for the blog Opinio Juris.”
Can you share a memorable moment or highlight from your mobility experience?
Dr Jingjing Wu: “One of the memorable moments from my YERUN Research Mobility Award experience at NOVA University Lisbon was the opportunity to attend a series of insightful seminars, from different reading groups to international workshops on various topics. These academic activities have sparked numerous thought-provoking discussions, which I have benefited for my future research. Additionally, my interactions with scholars at the ArgLab were incredibly enriching. These discussions allowed me to share my ideas and receive valuable feedback from some of the brightest minds in the field. The collaborative environment at ArgLab fostered a deep exchange of knowledge and perspectives, significantly enhancing my research and professional growth.”
Dr Koldo Casla: “YERUN focused our minds. The best part of the process for me was the chance to spend time together and align our mindsets. Marion came to Essex in May 2023, and I went to Antwerp in September that year. We met with colleagues here and there, who generously shared their insights, and a good number of them also sent us their written feedback, enriching our own analysis. Being physically in the same location also gave Marion and me the space to discuss the draft in greater detail than exchanging emails or meeting via Zoom or Teams.”
Did the collaboration initiated through the award lead to any ongoing partnerships or follow-up projects?
Dr. Jingjing Wu: “Yes, I have been actively participating in reading groups, particularly those focused on epistemic injustice, organised by ArgLab. In 2024, I attended the International Conference on Epistemic Injustice in Public Arguments hosted at ArgLab. Currently, I am participating in an ArgLab reading group on a similar topic. I anticipate further collaborations with the scholars at NOVA ArgLab on various topics.”
Dr Koldo Casla: “Antwerp and Essex have a strategic partnership that extends to very many colleagues working on human rights in both institutions. This project tightened that bond and gave Marion and me the chance to meet new colleagues in each other’s universities.”
What advice would you give to researchers considering applying for the YERUN Research Mobility Awards?
Dr Jingjing Wu: “I have five advices: The YERUN Research Mobility Award is a unique chance to expand your horizons. Embrace the opportunity to collaborate with various institutions and scholars across Europe; Make the most of your time by actively participating in seminars, workshops, and discussions at the host universities; Building connections with fellow researchers is one of the most rewarding aspects of my mobility experience. Engage with scholars, share your ideas, and seek feedback. These interactions can lead to long-lasting professional relationships and collaborative projects; Exposure to different academic environments and methodologies can significantly enhance your research. Be open to learning from others and integrating new approaches into your work; It’s not only about work! I had a great time in the lovely city of Lisbon, fascinated by its lively culture, breath-taking nature, and inspiring people.”
Dr Koldo Casla: “Set yourself a deadline. When done, promote your article with a blogpost written in a more accessible language. Besides writing the paper, enjoy the prospect of being challenged and meeting great minds in other YERUN institutions.”
Thank you, Jingjin and Koldo!
The journeys of Dr. Casla and Dr Wu illustrate the tangible outcomes and deeper impacts of the YERUN Research Mobility Awards. From co-authoring high-impact publications to engaging with leading research groups and building lasting academic ties, their experiences highlight the immense value of stepping beyond institutional borders.
As the YERUN community looks ahead, these voices serve as both testament and invitation: testament to the transformative potential of research mobility, and an invitation to future applicants to seize the opportunity—not only to advance their work, but to connect, exchange, and grow as part of a vibrant European research ecosystem.
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Short Bios:
Dr Jingjing Wu is a Marie Curie postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Law at the University of Southern Denmark. Her research lies in the intersection of legal argumentation, legal philosophy, environmental law, and human rights. She is the Awardee of the YERUN Research Mobility Award 2022. She is currently a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship grantee with the project ‘How Do Trees Stand? Legal Viability and Efficacy of Rights of Nature and Implications for the European Union’.
Dr Koldo Casla is a Senior Lecturer in International Human Rights Law at Essex Law School. Previous roles include Director of Essex Human Rights Centre Clinic (2021-24), Research Associate at the Institute of Health & Society of Newcastle University (2017-19), Policy Director of the social rights NGO Just Fair (2016-19), and Chief of Staff of the Human Rights Commissioner of the Basque Country (2011-13). Since 2013, he has also worked as independent researcher for Amnesty International in relation to the rights to housing, health, social security and education. Among other publications, he is the author of “Politics of International Human Rights Law Promotion in Western Europe: Order versus Justice” (Routledge 2019), and “Spain and Its Achilles’ Heels: The Strong Foundations of a Country’s Weaknesses” (Rowman & Littlefield 2021), and co-editor of “Social Rights and the Constitutional Moment: Learning from Chile and International Experiences” (Hart 2022) and “The European Social Charter: A Commentary, Volume 3” (Brill 2024).
