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UCL student awarded major political science prize

8 March 2010

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Laura Valentini ucl.ac.uk/spp/" target="_self">UCL Political ScienceThe Political Studies Association

Laura Valentini (UCL Legal and Political Theory) has won the prestigious Sir Ernest Barker Prize of the UK Political Studies Association for Best Dissertation in Political Theory.

The jury praised Laura's thesis on 'Global Justice: Cosmopolitanism, Social Liberalism, and the Coercion View', for 'its originality, its theoretical subtlety, and its masterful analysis of the existing literature' and noted that the thesis undoubtedly constitutes an impressive contribution to a philosophical debate of great importance'. It is the first time a student from UCL is awarded the Sir Ernest Barker prize.

Laura said: "It was an honour and a surprise to receive the prize. Knowing that my dissertation - my biggest project so far - is appreciated and recognised as worthwhile by the academic community is extremely rewarding. Moreover, since I have decided to become an academic, this sort of recognition further reinforces my confidence in, and enthusiasm for, my career choice. Winning this prize has made me think about my academic future but also reminded me of how lucky I was to have the opportunity to study at UCL.

"Successfully completing a PhD requires dedication, an intellectually lively environment and, crucially, the right atmosphere. This is precisely what I found at UCL. I am thrilled to have been awarded this prize, and very grateful to those who have supported me along the way: Thank you!"

Laura held a UCL doctoral scholarship and also obtained a distinction in her MA in Legal and Political Theory at UCL. She completed her PhD under the supervision of Cecile Laborde in 2008. She is currently a Junior Research Fellow at Queen's College, Oxford.

Image: Laura Valentini


UCL context

UCL Political Science acts as a bridge between UCL's world-class research and the policy-making community in Britain and internationally. Through the department, students have access to a wide range of weekly seminars, featuring distinguished external speakers as well as regular high-profile events with politicians and policy makers.

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