Brigit Toebes is a Professor of Health Law in a Global Context at the Faculty of Law, and is the Academic Director of the Health and Technology Law LLM programme. She is also a member of the Global Health Law Groningen Research Centre and former Rosalind Franklin Fellow at the University of Groningen. We've asked her a few questions below to learn more about her academic profile and perspectives on the courses and programmes that she teaches within the Faculty.

What is your specific academic background, and what are your research interests? Do you currently work on any specific research projects? 

I started my career with a PhD in human rights, with a specific focus on the right to health. From there, I branched out to looking into how international and regional standards regulate health. So I am a human rights lawyer who gradually enter to field of health law.

I have a strong interest in the dynamic field of public health law, particularly in how international standards shape its development. Among other topics, my research supports research on the regulation of behavioral risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption, and drug use.

What courses do you teach within the Faculty?

My main courses are Health Law in Context, and International Health Law. Both are master courses, forming part of the LLM programme in Health and Technology Law, while International Health Law is also part of the LLM programme International Human Rights Law.

What do you enjoy teaching about these specific courses?

These courses align closely with my research in the field of health law, allowing me to directly apply insights from my research to my teaching. At the same time, the interaction with students and their feedback continually inspire new ideas for my research. I deeply enjoy the cross-fertilization between my teaching and research, as each informs and enhances the other.

How is the Health and Technology Law LLM programme unique compared to similar programmes elsewhere? 

This programme combines health law and technology law, equipping students with deep knowledge in both areas. Moreover, the intersection of these two fields allows us to tackle some of the most complex issues in health today, particularly the emerging use of health technologies and the many legal questions that arise in this context.

What career prospects do you think there could be for students who pursue careers in your specific legal field of expertise?

I see tremendous employment opportunities for students who pursue this master's programme. The health sector is one of the largest employers in society, and it constantly faces complex legal challenges. Graduates can find opportunities with a wide range of health-related organizations, including ministries of health, health inspectorates, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies, human rights bodies, and NGOs. Many of the legal issues in the health field involve human rights, which is why our program places a strong emphasis on this dimension.

Do you have any advice for students interested in pursuing your same field of legal expertise?

I often notice that students starting their careers are very focused on finding the perfect job right away. However, in the field of health law, I would advise students to explore a variety of roles and opportunities to gain diverse experiences. View your career as a journey of discovery, where each position serves as a building block, contributing to your knowledge and expertise.

If you'd like to know more about our Health and Technology Law LLM, you are welcome to join one of our Masters Week presentations for the LLM.

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Interested in more information about our Health and Technology Law LLM programme? You can ask questions directly to the Faculty by filling out our information request form.