NEOLAiA Law Network Holds Its 2nd International Conference at the University of Tours
The NEOLAiA Law Network continued its commitment to fostering academic collaboration and innovation in legal studies during its 2nd NEOLAiA Law Conference, hosted by the University of Tours, France, on 28–29 May 2026.
Bringing together researchers, academics, and legal experts from across the NEOLAiA European University Alliance, the conference provided an important platform for exchanging ideas, strengthening research partnerships, and exploring new approaches to legal education and scholarship.
The two-day event focused on two key themes that reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities facing legal systems and legal education today.
Interpreting Law in a Changing World
The first day of the conference was dedicated to Legal Research: The Interpretation of Law in a Changing World. Participants examined how legal interpretation adapts to contemporary societal, technological, and political developments, while discussing the role of legal scholarship in addressing emerging challenges at both national and international levels.
Through presentations and discussions, researchers shared perspectives on the dynamic nature of legal interpretation and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding legal transformation.
Innovating Legal Education
On the second day, the focus shifted to Legal Education: Humanistic Legal Education and Serious Games in Legal Education. Speakers explored innovative teaching methodologies designed to prepare future legal professionals for increasingly complex and interconnected societies.
Particular attention was given to humanistic approaches to legal education, as well as the use of serious games and experiential learning methods that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and student engagement. The discussions highlighted how legal education can evolve to better meet the needs of both students and society.
The conference showcased the strength of collaboration within the NEOLAiA Alliance, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and reinforcing the shared commitment of partner institutions to excellence in legal research and education.
Building on the Success of the First Law Network Conference
The 2026 conference also marked an important milestone for the NEOLAiA Law Network with the publication of a collective volume resulting from the Network’s first conference.
The book, developed through the collaboration of researchers from NEOLAiA partner institutions, reflects the academic discussions and research presented during the inaugural Law Network Conference. It brings together diverse legal perspectives and demonstrates the Network’s growing contribution to international legal scholarship.
The publication represents more than a collection of conference papers – it is a tangible outcome of the long-term cooperation fostered within the alliance. By transforming conference discussions into a scholarly publication, the Law Network continues to create lasting impact beyond individual events and contributes to the dissemination of research across Europe and beyond.
Together, the successful organisation of the second conference and the publication of the first conference proceedings highlight the continued development of the NEOLAiA Law Network as a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to advancing legal research, innovative teaching practices, and international cooperation.
As the Network continues to grow, these initiatives demonstrate the value of European university alliances in creating opportunities for meaningful academic collaboration and generating knowledge that addresses contemporary societal challenges.
