UCL student awarded major political science prize

Laura Valentini (UCL Legal and Political Theory) has won the prestigious Sir Ernest Barker Prize of the UK Political Studies Association for Best Dissertation in Political Theory. The jury praised Laura?s thesis on ?Global Justice: Cosmopolitanism, Social Liberalism, and the Coercion View?, for ?its originality, its theoretical subtlety, and its masterful analysis of the existing literature? and noted that the thesis undoubtedly constitutes an impressive contribution to a philosophical debate of great importance?. It is the first time a student from UCL is awarded the Sir Ernest Barker prize. Laura said: ?It was an honour and a surprise to receive the prize. Knowing that my dissertation ? my biggest project so far ? is appreciated and recognised as worthwhile by the academic community is extremely rewarding. Moreover, since I have decided to become an academic, this sort of recognition further reinforces my confidence in, and enthusiasm for, my career choice. Winning this prize has made me think about my academic future but also reminded me of how lucky I was to have the opportunity to study at UCL.