Utomhus porträtt Yaffa Epstein

Photo: Jesper Ahlin Marceta

About Yaffa's research

My research focuses on how law relates to the natural world, particularly in the field of environmental law. Terms and concepts originating in the natural sciences permeate the law. This is especially true in “new” legal fields like environmental and medical law, but is also true in many “classic” fields such as tort law, in which, for example, scientific expertise is often needed to determine risk or fault. Differing interpretations of these terms and concepts in different disciplines affect decision making and make it difficult to know whether the law is being complied with. When scientific concepts are made part of the law, reference to the natural sciences is often necessary in order to properly understand or apply the law. If judges or other decision makers misunderstand or misuse natural science, the laws’ ability to achieve legislative goals may be hindered. I try to find ways to improve the interaction between those working with law and natural science in order for the legal system to be better able to protect the environment.

Downloadable images

EpsteinYaffa_fotoJAM_3S9A2871_hires

Photo: Jesper Ahlin Marceta

Download

In brief

Interests: I enjoy fermenting food, especially pickled cucumbers.

As a researcher in environmental law, my main research interest is how scientific knowledge can be translated into legislation and policy. I hope to collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines to improve the ability of law to harness scientific knowledge.

More with Yaffa

Interview Uppsala University News February 25, 2020:

Environmental law requires collaboration between natural scientists and lawyers

This website uses cookies

Cookies ("cookies") consist of small text files. The text files contain data which is stored on your device. To be able to place some type of cookies we need your consent. We at Foundation for Swedens young academy, corporate identity number 802477-9483 use these types of cookies. To read more about which cookies we use and storage duration, click here to get to our cookiepolicy.

Manage your cookie-settings

Necessary cookies

Necessary cookies are cookies that need to be placed for fundamental functions on the website to work. Fundamental functions are for instance cookies that are needed for you to use menus and navigate the website.

Statistical cookies

To know how you interact with the website we place cookies to collect statistics. These cookies anonymize personal data.

Personalization cookies

In order to provide a better experiance we place cookies for your preferances