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In this series, we found out more about members of the UCL Laws community. For the first edition, we're speaking to Professor Eloise Scotford - Dean of UCL Laws.
How long have you been at UCL Laws and what is your current role?
Since 2017. I'm currently Dean of the Faculty of Laws, and Professor of Environmental Law.
What aspect of your work most excites you and why?
Leading and building a community of excellence in research and education, founded on values of inclusion, justice and compassion. Leading (and safeguarding) an institution with such a positive culture is hugely motivating.
What achievements are you most proud of?
This is a difficult question to answer. There's lots of things I'm proud of on my CV, however I'm probably most proud of teaching my children to read and love books, and to be kind to others.
What do you like best about working at UCL Laws?
The people and their energy. UCL Laws colleagues, students and alumni make a positive contribution to society every day. I work with wonderful people, and keep meeting them in our very special alumni community.
What advice you would give to your younger self?
The anxiety will settle down and morph into some wisdom over time, whilst driving you on. The hard work is worth it. Most importantly, find a good physio to sort out your back – don’t leave it two decades!
What's an interesting fact about yourself that people might not know?
A good thing about being an only child of separated parents was spending all my childhood holidays horse-riding in New South Wales. I learned to muck out stables, cook, sweep floors properly, sneak onto land rovers for a wild drive round the paddocks, connect with animals, and find the edge between control, freedom and danger when riding horses around the bush. My happiest memories serve as an important reminder of how important nature and unstructured time is for wellbeing.
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Film – this is a tough decision, as I love reading. I will go for three books in one: Rachel Cusk’s Outline, Transit and the Kudos trilogy. Sublime, intelligent, page-turning life stories.
Album – probably the one with the deepest memories for me is Abba Gold, which I used to play on my parent’s record player as a young child, dancing around their bedroom.
Film – Mary Poppins – nothing beats the magic of watching films as a child, and now watching them again with my children. It’s got everything – suffragettes, bad bankers, tea parties on the ceiling, endless laughter, self-tidying toys, magical carousel horse rides…
Where is your favourite place in the world, and why?
Home. Nothing beats being with my family.
Who would be your dream dinner guests, and why?
All my friends and family in one place at the same time, from their scattered locations around the world.