Maria Estela Lopes is a first-year researcher from Portugal. Her journey into the world of law began with her Bachelor of Laws degree from NOVA Law School in Portugal, followed by an LLM in Administrative Law from the Catholic University of Portugal's Lisbon School of Law. After obtaining the official qualification of lawyer, she worked as an Associate in the Public Law Department of an international law firm in Lisbon, and as a Guest Lecturer at the Catholic University of Portugal.
Estela's decision to pursue a career in law was driven by her recognition of its central role in shaping societies and people's lives. The possibility of contributing to a more equitable and just society was also a powerful motivator for her choice. Regarding the EUI, Estela says that she was attracted not only by its prestigious reputation in the field of Social Sciences, but also by its structured doctoral programme, which seamlessly integrates an interdisciplinary approach to the study of law. The fact that the EUI offers full funding for the entire duration of her doctoral programme is a crucial factor that allows her to focus on her research without financial constraints.
Estela's research delves into the intersection of Administrative Law and Technology, specifically studying the risks posed by administrative decision-making powered by AI to citizens' rights to good administration. With public administrations increasingly incorporating AI into their activities, Estela aims to explore whether administrative rules should be adjusted to ensure that the existing levels of protection for citizens and companies are maintained. Her research seeks to contribute to the safeguarding of citizens' rights, with a specific focus on ensuring citizens' participation in the context of increasing automation in public administrations.
Looking at the future, Estela wishes to continue expanding her knowledge in the field of law and share it with future generations of lawyers, envisioning a role within academia for this purpose. Moreover, she aspires to play a role in public administration, particularly within the European Union's public sector. She is confident that her PhD at the EUI is the perfect stepping stone toward achieving these ambitions.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Estela enjoys reading, particularly books unrelated to law topics, as well as running, and practising pilates. Additionally, she loves travelling, experiencing unfamiliar cultures, and biking. Her daily bike ride to the EUI reminds her of her grandparents' hometown in Douro, where she used to retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
We warmly welcome Estela to the EUI and we look forward to the valuable contribution her research will make in the field of Administrative Law.