Dr. Thomas Hansen

Thomas Obel Hansen, currently serving as the María Zambrano Distinguished Researcher (Requalification) for 2023-24 at Carlos III University of Madrid (Spain), boasts a multifaceted career marked by significant contributions to the realms of law, transitional justice, and international relations.

Having commenced his tenure as a full professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ulster (UK) in January 2016, Thomas has been an integral member of the Transitional Justice Institute (TJI). His academic journey began with the acquisition of his LLM in 2007 and his subsequent PhD in Law in 2010 from the esteemed Faculty of Law at the University of Aarhus in Denmark. Prior to his affiliation with TJI, Thomas garnered experience at the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi, where he honed his expertise in matters concerning international law, human rights, and transitional justice within Kenya and its environs.

At the heart of Thomas' scholarly pursuits lies a fervent dedication to understanding transitional and international justice from a myriad of perspectives, ranging from doctrinal and socio-legal analyses to considerations of international relations dynamics. His research endeavors, both past and present, encompass a diverse array of topics, including transitional justice theory, the politics surrounding international justice mechanisms, and the examination of accountability processes for alleged transgressions, such as British war crimes in Iraq.

Notably, Thomas currently assumes the role of co-investigator in a comprehensive four-year initiative centered on standardization in transitional justice, supported by the Danish Council for Independent Research. Furthermore, his scholarly output extends beyond the confines of academia, with his research findings regularly disseminated across leading international law journals and human rights publications. His contributions to public discourse on matters of international and transitional justice are equally significant, with engagements ranging from blog publications to presentations before parliamentary committees and international bodies like the UN Human Rights Council.

In recognition of his expertise and scholarly achievements, Thomas is affiliated with esteemed professional bodies such as the American Society of International Law. Moreover, his advisory roles for prestigious organizations such as UNDP and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscore his standing as a respected authority in his field.

Amidst his ongoing external research appointment as the María Zambrano Distinguished Researcher with Carlos III University of Madrid, Thomas also assumes the role of Senior Researcher with the International Council of Environmental Law (ICEL), further attesting to the breadth of his intellectual pursuits and interdisciplinary engagement.

Throughout his illustrious career, Thomas Obel Hansen has emerged as a prominent figure at the intersection of law, justice, and human rights, leaving an indelible mark through his scholarly contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of accountability and justice on both national and international fronts.