Laura Caitlin Parker, M.A.

What’s the work that you do?

I’m only just pivoting into the polar field, following a decade working in international law and policy, at the UN refugee and migration agencies, alongside a lifelong love of the ocean. I am fascinated by all things polar, and am training to work in expedition guiding, whilst conducting independent research into Antarctic governance and its current challenges, for instance in relation to krill fishing. I am intrigued by how international legal regimes play out in practice, and the tools we have at our disposal to drive or induce compliance, especially with environmental norms, in relatively ‘ungovernable’ places. During a recent stint as a visiting scholar at the Scott Polar Research Institute, at the University of Cambridge, I conducted research into the Antarctic Treaty system, comparing its (soft) enforcement mechanisms with those found in other areas of international law, including human rights law.

What keeps you going?

I have found this field to be incredibly welcoming and diverse, from my stint at SPRI, to my participation at a recent inter-disciplinary SCAR Ant-ICON conference on Antarctic conservation, and my time spent on expedition industry training courses – everyone is so enthusiastic, and generous with their time and support.

I am also fascinated by the way in which environmental justice colleagues increasingly look to certain aspects of the global human rights architecture to further a cause, or achieve results. We have many challenges in that field, but some interesting tools in the proverbial toolbox too! Equally, the Antarctic Treaty system has many unique aspects that have inspired other areas of international law and governance. I am especially interested in the potential for greater synergies between systems of global governance, given the current defunding of multilateral institutions.

What’s your message to the world?

It’s never to late to pursue something you’re passionate about, and don’t hesitate to draw out the connections between seemingly disparate fields and experiences. The science-policy interface is a fascinating area, and there are many ways to contribute.