First PhD Position in Technology Law Announced at RU

The Department of Law at Reykjavík University has announced a new doctoral position connected to the AI Antenna research project on artificial intelligence. The position offers a unique opportunity to pursue doctoral research in law in Iceland, focusing on the legal implications of rapidly advancing AI technologies.

The PhD student will conduct research as part of the broader project, aiming to map and analyse the impact of European artificial intelligence regulations on Icelandic law. Particular attention will be given to data protection, data security, and health law.

The research will examine regulatory frameworks governing artificial intelligence and identify opportunities these developments present for Icelandic legal systems. A key focus will be sectors such as health sciences and other fields where safeguarding sensitive data and information is critical.

The doctoral candidate will be supervised by Gunnar Þór Pétursson, President of the Department of Law at Reykjavík University, and María Rún Bjarnadóttir, a specialist at the department. She also leads the department’s growing emphasis on research and teaching in technology law and digital legal issues.

According to Gunnar Þór and María Rún, technological change is transforming society, including the legal profession; hence, RU must prepare future lawyers for the intersection of law and technology.

This doctoral position is part of the Department of Law’s broader effort to strengthen the role of technology law and connect digital developments with legal education in Iceland. It is clear that this transformation is already underway and will not be reversed.

Says Gunnar Þór. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with scholars from other academic fields, particularly computer science and digital health technology, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern legal challenges.

Several technology law courses are already offered at the Faculty of Law at Reykjavík University, and new courses, such as Social Media Law,are being added to the curriculum. The department will also host and participate in research activities and events related to artificial intelligence, including the upcoming conference “AI and Society: You, Data, and Sovereign Decision-Making,” scheduled for Friday, March 13.

Technological development is transforming the labour market and challenging academic disciplines. The Department of Law at RU is responding by expanding interdisciplinary collaboration and creating more opportunities for students to participate in cross-disciplinary research. Future lawyers will face exciting opportunities in technology, and at RU they receive a strong foundation to meet them.

Says María Rún.