Rate Professor Jurgen Kurtz

Professional Summary: Professor Jürgen Kurtz

Professor Jürgen Kurtz is a distinguished academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, recognized for his expertise in international economic law. With a career spanning significant contributions to legal scholarship, teaching, and policy discourse, he has established himself as a leading authority in international trade and investment law.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Kurtz holds advanced degrees in law, reflecting his deep commitment to academic excellence:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Honors, University of Melbourne
• Master of Laws (LLM), University of Melbourne
• Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), University of Melbourne

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Kurtz specializes in international economic law, with a particular focus on:

• International trade law under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework
• International investment law and investor-state dispute settlement
• The intersection of law, economics, and public policy in global governance

His research often explores the evolving dynamics of global economic regulation and the balance between state sovereignty and international obligations.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Kurtz has held several prestigious positions during his academic career:

• Professor of International Economic Law, University of Melbourne Law School (current)
• Director, International Investment Law Program, University of Melbourne
• Visiting Professor at various international institutions, including the University of Barcelona and the National University of Singapore
• Former Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne Law School

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Kurtz’s contributions to legal scholarship have been recognized through numerous accolades:

• Recipient of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project Grants for research in international economic law
• Invited Fellow at various international academic forums and think tanks

Key Publications

Professor Kurtz has authored and co-authored several influential works in the field of international economic law. Notable publications include:

• The WTO and International Investment Law: Converging Systems (Cambridge University Press, 2016)
• ‘Balancing Investor Protection and Regulatory Freedom in International Investment Law: The Australian Experience’ (Journal of International Economic Law, 2014)
• ‘The Shifting Landscape of International Investment Law’ (co-authored, Melbourne Journal of International Law, 2012)
• Numerous articles and book chapters on WTO law and investor-state arbitration in leading journals

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Kurtz is widely regarded as a thought leader in international economic law. His work has shaped academic discourse on the harmonization of trade and investment regimes, influencing both scholarship and policy. His publications are frequently cited by peers, and his research has contributed to critical debates on the reform of investor-state dispute mechanisms and the role of international law in economic globalization.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Kurtz is actively engaged in the global academic and policy community:

• Regular speaker at international conferences on trade and investment law, including events hosted by the WTO and academic institutions worldwide
• Member of advisory committees on international economic law and policy
• Editorial board member and peer reviewer for leading journals in international law
• Contributor to public policy discussions on trade agreements and investment treaties through expert commentary and submissions