Now entering its 40th year, the Institute for Legal Studies at Hanyang University is evolving beyond its traditional role as an academic institution to become a practical legal platform that responds to social realities. With a guiding philosophy of “law at the intersection of academia and society,” the institute is committed to producing research, education, and policy recommendations that make a tangible impact.

Founded in May 1981 by its first director, Professor Cha Yong-seok, the Institute for Legal Studies has sustained active academic discourse through the regular publication of its journal, Hanyang Law Review, and the hosting of academic conferences and seminars. Current director Professor Jung Ho-kyung of the School of Law remarked, “Today, legal studies must contribute to solving social issues and advancing the public good,” adding that the institute is striving to be a central force in this practical turn in legal academia.

A defining strength of the institute lies in its proactive approach to addressing the demands of the era and legal needs through the creation of specialized research centers. “Each center operates independently based on its expertise while functioning as a convergent platform connecting academia and policy,” said Director Jung.

The Center for Sustainable Innovation and Law builds academic discourse on intellectual property rights, ESG, and platform labor in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution through its journal Intellectual Property & Information Law Review. The Center for a Better Society, Global Governance and Law explores themes such as human rights, social integration, and international norms, expanding public discourse through the publication Theory and Practice of Human Rights Law.

The AI and Law Research Center focuses on algorithmic accountability, data ethics, and the EU AI Act, offering interdisciplinary discussion formats such as lunch talks. The Public Safety Policy Center explores 토토사이트 회원가입 거절 reforms in response to crises such as epidemics, crime, and disasters. Meanwhile, the Korean Guardianship and Trust Research Center conducts research aimed at improving adult guardianship and trust systems in an aging society.

Through close collaboration with the Hanyang University School of Law, the institute enables students to participate actively in research and education programs. “Students gain practical experience through academic seminars, guest lectures by experts, and project-based learning within our centers,” said Director Jung. “Our goal is to help students not only attend classes but also engage in designing and developing their own research questions.”

The institute is also committed to academic exchanges and industry-academic collaboration, both domestically and internationally. It partners with public institutions and private organizations to offer public 토토사이트 회원가입 거절 seminars and contribute to legislative improvements, while regularly hosting joint conferences with top universities in countries such as Germany and Japan.

The institute plans to further expand its academic networks. “We aim to respond preemptively to multifaceted social issues and cultivate legal talent with a global outlook,” said Director Jung. “We are extending our international collaborations to Southeast Asia and Africa, while organizing interdisciplinary public forums on key challenges like climate change, platform economies, and AI legislation.” He also emphasized plans to expand international research opportunities for both faculty and graduate students through partnerships with global institutions.

Looking ahead, the Institute for Legal Studies at Hanyang University will continue its mission to realize “public value and social responsibility” in legal scholarship. “The institute is a community that raises questions with the world and seeks answers, translating knowledge into action,” said Director Jung. “We aim to become a hub that bridges academia and policy, theory and practice, the local and the global.”

Director Jung also shared a message for fellow researchers: “Because law is so closely tied to real-world contexts, researchers must maintain an open attitude, consider diverse perspectives, and reflect on the societal impact of their work. I hope legal scholars continue the journey of asking meaningful questions and finding answers that contribute to the common good.”