Hague Academy of International Law Centre for Studies and Research 2027: International Law on Mineral Exploration and Mining (Peace Palace, The Hague, 16 August - 3 September 2027; Registration Free)

The Hague Academy of International Law, based at the Peace Palace in The Hague, has run the Centre for Studies and Research in International Law and International Relations since 1957. The Centre begins immediately after the Summer Courses and each edition is devoted to one topic of international law, selected annually by the Academy's Curatorium.

Over three weeks it brings together 12 English-speaking and 12 French-speaking researchers, each addressing a specific aspect of the theme under the guidance of two Directors of Research. The research forms a collective project, and the most notable contributions are published in the Academy's Centre book series.

The 2027 Centre (16 August - 3 September 2027) will examine how public and private international law should be rethought in relation to mining exploration and exploitation. Thematic areas listed by the Academy include:

• The fragmentation of international law applicable to mining; mining as an instrument of international geopolitics
• Sovereignty over natural resources; mineral resources in disputed territories
• The prohibition of mining in Antarctica; mining on the international seabed; mining in outer space
• The legal distinction between mining exploration and exploitation
• International liability for transboundary environmental damage caused by mining; the precautionary principle
• International governance of critical minerals for the energy transition; regulation of closure and abandonment phases
• Protection of investments in mining projects; investor-state arbitration of mining disputes; indirect expropriation versus legitimate environmental regulation; valuation of mining assets
• Corruption, illegality and regulatory compliance in mining
• Indigenous peoples, local communities and social licence to operate; human rights due diligence; workers' rights
• Artisanal, small-scale and irregular mining; local content requirements
• Mining contracts, stabilisation commitments and the energy transition; climate change, water, biodiversity and sustainable development in mining

• English-speaking section: Professor Diana Correa, Externado University of Colombia
• French-speaking section: Professor Arnaud de Nanteuil, Paris-Est Creteil University

The Academy's 2027 programme states: "Interested candidates must be researchers and preferably hold an advanced degree (PhD or Doctorate degree)." Article 1 of the Regulations of the Centre adds that the Centre is open to high-level academics or lawyers who hold advanced university degrees (a doctorate degree or the Academy's Diploma) or who can show actual involvement in international legal matters for at least three years, with real practical experience and a proven ability to undertake research.

Proficiency in one of the two working languages (English or French) is required. Candidates apply to the language group of their choice. The Academy's pages set no nationality restriction, and applicants upload a valid passport, so researchers from India may apply.

• A copy of a valid passport (or, for EU/EEA/CH citizens, a valid national ID)
• An identity photograph
• A copy of the highest diploma obtained
• PhD thesis information
• A letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages)
• A curriculum vitae
• A letter of recommendation from a professor of international law

Documents not in English or French need a translation; self-translations are accepted with a sworn statement giving the date, place, name and signature of the translator. The recommendation letter must give the referee's full title, name, institutional affiliation and email, be signed, and be sent by the referee directly, in PDF, to centre@hagueacademy.nl.

The Academy's 2027 programme states that registration is free of charge. The Academy does not provide accommodation; it lists host-family accommodation through an independent provider at EUR 35 per person per room per night, payable directly to the host family. Participants must reside in The Hague without interruption for the whole session.

Each selected researcher is assigned a sub-topic, taking preferences into account, and begins research remotely with the Directors before the session, so as to arrive with a draft paper. In The Hague most of the time is spent working at the Peace Palace Library, alongside collective meetings, individual discussions, visits and guest lectures. Afterwards researchers finalise their articles; only those meeting the Academy's scientific standards appear in the collective Centre book published the following year. Every participant who regularly attended receives a Certificate of Attendance.

Create an account on the Academy's website, read the Application Guidelines, and complete the online Centre registration form, uploading the documents listed above. Registration closes on 1 November 2026 at 23:59 hrs The Hague time (the Academy states CEST); this falls in the early hours of 2 November 2026 in IST, but apply by 1 November to be safe. Results of the selection are communicated by email in December.