Warwick Law School’s Professor Shaheen Ali has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) from the University of Oslo. She received her award during a graduation ceremony held at the University on 2 September this year.

The University of Oslo appoint such degrees to prominent academics every three years. Professor Ali was selected due to her significant scientific contributions to the dialogue and understanding of the relationship between Islam, human rights, and national law, particularly in areas such as women's rights, family law, and criminal law.

At the ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Law shared how Shaheen’s groundbreaking doctoral research bridged human rights and Islamic values in the fields of equality and discrimination. He went on to explain:

“At the University of Oslo, collaboration with Professor Ali has been crucial for the Faculty of Law's ability to research and teach at the intersection of Islam and human rights. In 2012, Ali was appointed as member of the International Strategic Advisory Board, set up by the Rector University of Oslo and the report she co-authored, has proved very useful for the University’s strategic vision.”

Commenting on her award, Professor Ali said:

“I am deeply humbled at receiving this honour and for which I am grateful to my students, friends and colleagues at the universities I have had the privilege of serving – Peshawar University, Pakistan, University of Hull and University of Warwick UK, and the University of Oslo, Norway.

I have been privileged to belong to a profession and career which for me is a labour of love. Excelling in what one is passionate about, is relatively easier I would say! All this would not have been possible without the unstinting and unconditional support of my amazing family who have stood by me every step of the way. Thank you all.”

At the University of Oslo, it is customary for recipients of honorary doctorates to deliver a public lecture as well as a lecture for the nominating Faculty. During her visit, Shaheen also delivered a seminar to LLM students and a paper at the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights.

Congratulations Shaheen.