Field of study (Dyscyplina nauk): Law (Nauki prawne)

Grant objective (Projekt realizowany w USA): Research in Comparative Law

Home institution (Instytucja macierzysta): European University Institute

Host institution (Instytucja goszcząca): New York University

Location (Lokalizacja): New York City, NY

Kim jestem / Who I am:

I am a PhD researcher at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. My project is focused on the problem of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) and combating them in backsliding member states of the European Union. I am passionate about freedom of expression, constitutional law and the EU law. Before starting my PhD research, among others, I worked for Gazeta Wyborcza, the biggest quality daily newspaper in Poland. In addition to my PhD research, I work at the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights in Poland as a Senior Expert. 

Mój projekt będzie dotyczył / My Fulbright grant focuses on:

During my stay at New York University, I will focus on studying anti-SLAPP laws in the U.S. The U.S. was the first country to name and counter this threat to the freedom of expression. I will also deepen my knowledge on populism and democratic backsliding as my supervisor prof. Samuel Issacharoff is an expert in these areas. My research in the U.S. will be translated into a chapter of my PhD thesis.   

Do złożenia wniosku o stypendium Fulbrighta zachęciło mnie / I decided to apply for a Fulbright grant because:

As I underlined above, SLAPPs were first described by American academics, and the U.S. anti-SLAPP laws are an example for other countries on how to counter this threat. Being able to study these laws in the U.S. and consult my ideas with experts there will enrich my project profoundly. 

Po zakończeniu stypendium chciał(a)bym / After completing my Fulbright grant I would like to:

After finishing my Fulbright grant, I want to focus on my Ph.D. thesis. Delivering them timely is the most important task for me at the moment. After achieving this goal I hope to use my knowledge to work on the EU level on matters connected to freedom of expression and media freedom.