Laurence Boisson de Chazournes is a renowned expert of international law who specialises in international organisations, international dispute settlement and international environmental law. Her impressive career has seen her excel as an arbitrator, counsel and advocate before prominent judicial bodies such as the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. She is a professor of international law at the University of Geneva, and has served as a visiting professor at prestigious universities like the National University of Singapore and the Collège de France, where she holds the chair of its “Sustainable Common Future” initiative in 2022-2023. She earned her PhD in International Law at the Geneva Graduate Institute in 1991.
The Manley O. Hudson Medal is one of the highest honors in the field of international law, granted to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to scholarship and achievement in international law. Presenting the 2026 medal, ASIL highlighted Professor Boisson de Chazournes’s profound and lasting influence on multiple generations of students worldwide. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship has made her a leading role model, not only as an academic but also as a distinguished practitioner in the field.
Her scholarly work, particularly in international environmental law and international arbitration, reflects core values of the Institute, including the protection of the planet and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Through her research, publications, and professional engagements, she has played a key role in shaping contemporary international legal thought and practice. This recognition pays tribute to an exceptional career marked by intellectual rigor, global impact, and a deep commitment to advancing international law.
Read more about Laurence Boisson de Chazournes in her "Inspiring Stories" profile