The Faculty of Law’s Service-Learning recognised on the international stage

The Faculty of Law of the Université Catholique de Lille has once again received international recognition for its commitment to Service-Learning.

The project “Legal Clinic Greece: Vulnerabilities, Borders, and Access to Asylum“, led by Dr Silvia Bartolini (Associate Professor of EU Law and Co-Director of the Bilingual European Law Bachelor’s programme at the Faculty of Law), has been awarded a Special Mention at the 2026 Uniservitate Awards. Presented every two years, these awards recognise the most outstanding Service-Learning initiatives within Catholic higher education institutions worldwide. The award will be officially presented during the 6th Uniservitate Symposium, taking place from 26 to 28 October 2026.

Following the recognition received in 2024 for the Bus de l’Accès au Droit (Legal Access Bus) project, this latest distinction further reinforces the Faculty of Law’s position as an international leader in Service-Learning.

A project combining research, education and civic engagement

Developed as part of the European Asylum Law Legal Clinic within the Master’s programme in Human Rights, Security and Development, the project offers students an immersive learning experience that combines academic research, legal analysis and practical engagement.

Throughout the academic year, students work on key issues relating to European asylum law and the European Union’s external borders. Their research is presented at an international conference held in Athens before being extended through a field placement with European Lawyers in Lesvos (ELIL), where students contribute to the provision of legal assistance for people seeking international protection.

This educational approach fully embodies the principles of Service-Learning by placing academic expertise at the service of society while providing students with a rigorous, practical and meaningful learning experience.

Recognition of a collective commitment

Beyond acknowledging the academic excellence of the project, this Special Mention celebrates a collective achievement. It recognises the work carried out by Silvia Bartolini, Sian Donkers, Revekka-Emmanouela Papadopoulou, and the students involved, while also highlighting the supportive academic environment that enables initiatives of this kind to flourish.

This recognition reflects the commitment of both the Faculty of Law and the Université Catholique de Lille to promoting an educational approach that is internationally oriented, grounded in social responsibility, interdisciplinary collaboration and strong partnerships with community stakeholders. It also aligns with the University’s strategic vision, which places pedagogical innovation, civic engagement and international openness at the heart of its mission.

Service-Learning: a defining strength of the Faculty of Law

For several years, the Faculty of Law has developed Service-Learning initiatives that enable students to apply their legal knowledge in the service of the common good, both in France and internationally.

This latest distinction confirms the value of this educational approach while further enhancing the Faculty’s international reputation. Its initiatives are now recognised among the leading examples within the global Uniservitate network, which promotes Service-Learning projects addressing social and environmental challenges in partnership with civil society organisations.

This recognition celebrates a broader vision of legal education: one that combines academic excellence with a strong awareness of contemporary societal challenges, empowering students to use their legal knowledge as a force for the common good.