Nadia Bernaz appointed Personal Professor of Law and Corporate Justice

Bernaz has devoted more than twenty-five years to the study of international law and the field of business and human rights. Trained in law and foreign languages in France, she developed an early fascination with international justice. Over the course of her career, she has worked in four countries and collaborated with governments, non-governmental organisations and companies. One central question has consistently guided her work: how can corporations be held accountable for their impact on people and the environment?

Since joining WUR in 2017, Bernaz has established a research line on corporate accountability, with a particular focus on core WUR themes such as agri-food and natural resources. Approaching corporate accountability through the lens of international human rights law, investment law, environmental law and international criminal justice, she examines how legal frameworks can ensure that companies operate fairly, transparently and sustainably. Her course Business, Human Rights and the Environment received an Excellent Education Prize in 2022. She also leads the EU Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence on Corporate Sustainability and Human Rights Law, connecting scholars, practitioners and policymakers, and serves as editor-in-chief of the Business and Human Rights Journal.

Reflecting on her new role as Personal Professor, Bernaz says: “I see my appointment not only as a professional milestone, but as an opportunity to amplify the societal impact of my research.” Looking ahead, she aims to ensure that her scholarship both advances knowledge and drives tangible change for people and the planet. “Law isn’t just about rules; it can be a catalyst for justice,” she adds. “WUR offers an excellent environment for conducting exciting interdisciplinary legal scholarship, allowing to bridge law with cutting-edge scientific research to address global challenges.”