Meet Raphaël Bastian, LSTS visiting scholar (May-July 2019)

Raphaël Bastian joined LSTS as a visiting scholar on 13 May 2019 for a period of two months. During his stay, Raphaël will be collaborating with LSTS researcher Sajedeh Salehi on two projects (CREA and SCAN), under the supervision of Dr. Marco Giacalone. The aim of CREA is to conduct research concerning the use of algorithms in resolving cross-border civil disputes of EU citizens. Regarding the SCAN project, the main objectives are to assess the efficiency of the European Small Claims Procedure dealing with cross-border small civil claims in EU and to disseminate the knowledge about this instrument among potential users.

Tell us a few words about yourself

I am currently finishing my Law studies at the Catholic University of Lille with a focus on International and European law. Since November 2018 I have been deeply interested in the field of innovation and technology law. I heard the first time about LSTS and its activities last year, at the CCBE Artificial Intelligence - Humane Justice conference at the Catholic University of Lille. After a few months and a lot of interesting meetings and readings, I decided to explore this field further with LSTS in Brussels. Now I'm focusing on e-commerce law, online and alternative dispute resolutions, artificial intelligence and the opportunities these tools offer to lawyers, consumers and especially, to entrepreneurs. I'm also highly interested in data protection and privacy.

Which are your main objectives during your stay?

My main objectives during these two months relate to the two projects I am engaged with. For SCAN, I am fully focused on conducting interviews with European Consumer Centres (ECC-Net), academics, entrepreneurs and consumers who are familiar with the European Small Claims Procedure (ESCP) and are invited to reflect upon its implementation. I am really keen to see how the findings of the interviews will provide a helpful feedback towards a more efficient use of ESCP by its potential end-users, ranging from jurists to consumers. 

Besides, I am contributing towards the CREA research objectives by collecting necessary data for the final analysis and creating a "European common ground" of available rights. I'm also organising the CREA final conference which will take place on 27 September 2019. 

What are your future plans?

Next year I will study German and European law at the European Viadrina University in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany. I would like to stay in contact with the LSTS Research Group, as I have an immense interest in furthering my studies and future career in the field of law and technology.

How can we reach you?

You can find me on LinkedIn.

Interested in applying for a study visit at LSTS? Read more about the available visiting scholar programmes here.