60 seconds with... Professor Claudio Radaelli

Tell us a little about your research...

I research how different governments (and citizens) manage the formation, adoption and delivery of regulations by imposing obligations on those who make the rules and by giving voice to citizens and interests that are worth protecting in rule-making.

Why is your research important?

Because good rules can save lives and protect the environment, but bad rules create burdens, facilitate corruption and erode trust in institutions.

What inspires you in your research?

The possibility to leverage my comparative research findings to the benefit of students, engaged citizens and policy-makers, especially when it comes to balancing values and using robust evidence in public decisions. Another fundamental source of inspiration are the research teams I have led in my projects and the fabulous colleagues I have at UCL.

What has been your most memorable career moment so far?

It was when I was trusted to carry out the first-ever EU study of how regulatory performance could be measured, communicated and shared with citizens and the business community. 

What passions/hobbies do you have outside of work?

I love different types of non-mainstream music, from progressive to electronic, ethnic and some varieties of metal. Every year I publish my playlist but get very few likes from my friends ☺

I also love swimming in the old Porchester pool near Bayswater and running in Hyde Park. 

Hobbies aside, I am passionate about the role of nonviolence in political life and I engage with organizations informed by this vision. I am also engaged with a new organization called Science for Democracy. I push for the creation of fora where social scientists can explain to natural scientists how the policy process works – as well as trying to explain to politicians how science works.

What book is currently on your bedside table?

I enjoyed After the ecstasy, the laundry by Jack Kornfield, so I am now through the first 150 pages of his other book A path with heart but this one is more ‘doctrine-based’ with fewer memorable stories and anecdotes.

Book tickets for Claudio's lecture

Inaugural Lecture Series 2019/20

This lecture is part of the 2019/20 series for UCL's Faculty of Arts & Humanities and Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences. The series provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our professors who are undertaking research and scholarship of international significance, and offers an insight into the strength and vitality of the arts, humanities and social sciences at UCL.

All our lectures are free to attend and open to all. You don't have to be a UCL staff member or student to come along.

Lectures begin at 18:30 and are typically one hour long. A drinks reception will follow, to which everyone is welcome to join.

We look forward to meeting you at one of our events.

Take a look at the full programme below and register your place on our Inaugural Lectures Eventbrite page.