On 1 December 2022, Dr Lauren Kierans BL launched the European Whistleblowing Institute (EWI) with her co-founders Dr Vigjilenca Abazi, Dr Dimitrios Kafteranis, and Bruno Galzizzi, MSc.
EWI is an independent organisation driven by a deep passion to enhance innovative research, excellent education, and fact-based policies on whistleblowing. Whistleblowing laws profoundly alter the legal landscape in the European Union. More than ever before, adequate expertise and organisational capacities are needed to keep pace with the growing rules and practices of whistleblowing in Europe. EWI’s aim is to empower public voices by establishing the leading European hub of knowledge on whistleblowing law and policy and to contribute to a credible and impartial education and legal profession on whistleblowing in Europe.
The virtual launch event of EWI was a unique opportunity to meet its founders and to engage with three distinguished scholars: Professor Kate Kenny and Professor Wim Vandekerckhove, both of whom are experts in whistleblowing, and Professor Elise Muir, who is an expert on EU law. The founding members outlined the vision and mission of EWI, whilst Professors Kenny, Vandekerckhove, and Muir presented on the issues of research and education on whistleblowing in the European Union.
Dr Lauren Kierans BL is the Director of Education at EWI. Learn more about EWI: our organisation, our goals, our activities, and read our periodic blogs at ewi.legal
Dr Lauren Kierans BL delivers a Professional Certificate in Whistleblowing Law, Practice and Policy at Maynooth University. This course is designed to facilitate participants to consider current concepts, policy, legislation, and best practice relating to whistleblowing law and practice in Ireland. The knowledge and skills acquired will assist workers in the public and private sectors tasked with dealing with protected disclosures, as well as barristers, solicitors, and trade union officials who advise and represent whistleblowers. The course runs online over six weeks commencing in March 2023. For further information, please email: lauren.kierans@mu.ie.