The University of Lincoln has appointed a permanent Head of Law for the first time.  

The position will be filled by Professor Duncan French who joins from the University of Sheffield, where he acted as Professor of International Law and as Deputy Head of the Sheffield School of Law.

Prof. French studied law at the universities of East Anglia and Nottingham, before completing a PhD at the University of Wales (Cardiff).

His principal research interests are public international law, international environmental law, the international legal implications of sustainable development and legal aspects of international monetary, trade and investment regimes (including the law and practice of the World Trade Organisation).

Prof. French has previously had a monograph on international law and sustainable development published by the Manchester University Press in 2005 and has edited numerous collections on International Law that have made publication.

Prof. French said: “I’m very much looking forward to contributing towards the growth of the Lincoln Law School. I’ll be looking to build on existing strengths, including further development of the research agenda. We’ll be making numerous academic appointments this year, as well as continuing to grow our postgraduate and international profile.

The newly appointed Head of the Law school becomes the first to hold the position on a permanent basis. The role had previously been shared on rotation between the School’s other professors – John Peysner and Richard Stone.

Dean of Faculty, Professor David Head, said: “Professor French’s appointment is a strategically significant development for the University, coming as it does during a period of major advances for the University and soon after the relocation of the Lincoln Law School to a new building with dedicated facilities, including a Moot Court.”

The search for a representative for Lincolnshire for the Miss England pageant has begun as preparations are underway for this year’s contest.

The Miss England competition is an annual beauty pageant targeted at young females aged 17–24 years living in England.

The only criteria to enter as Miss Lincolnshire is that possible candidates live, work, study or come from the county of Lincolnshire.

University of Lincoln student Melanie Kollatou held the title of Miss Lincolnshire last year, she said:

“It was a fun experience; you make new friends, meet different people and have an amazing day at the competition. It’s good as well for anyone creative as we had to make a dress from a bed sheet so it was fun doing that, just like when you make stuff to go out in, in fancy dress.

“It’s a great confidence boost when all your family and friends are there cheering you on. And for the girly girls out there it so much fun getting all dressed up in your evening gown.

“It was amazing, I didn’t expect it at all so it was a huge surprise but then I was just really, really happy. It’ll be a moment I’ll always remember.

Kollatou had this message for girls who are considering entering:

“I’d recommend it because it’s a good laugh. Everyone was so nice and you have some really good days throughout the experience. The build-up to the day and then the day itself is just really exciting.

“Anyone who’s thinking about doing it, I’d say definitely go for it, what is there to lose really?

“One bit of advice to the winner would be to start early with all the Miss England prep because there’s a lot to do! But she will have an amazing time and such a fun year.”