“My research interests center on gender equality, with a particular emphasis on the European Union as a standard-setting authority.”

An interview with our fellow Miriam Bickelhaupt

Questions concerning the normative binding nature of standards

Romy & Jonathan: Hello Miriam, you have been a member of the Research Training Group since July 2024. Could you share the motivations that led you to apply for the RTG “Standards of Governance”?

Miriam: The idea of pursuing a doctorate emerged during my studies, even before I had completed my first state examination in law. My doctoral supervisor, Professor Sacksofsky, introduced me to the opportunity of applying to the Research Training Group.

Initially, I approached the prospect with a degree of skepticism, as the thematic focus on Standards of Governance did not immediately align with my research interests. However, it was precisely this initial hesitation that ultimately motivated me to apply, as it presented an opportunity to engage with an unfamiliar yet intellectually stimulating field. Additionally, the prospect of close collaboration with doctoral researchers from diverse academic disciplines further reinforced my decision to pursue this path.

Romy & Jonathan: The title of the RTG is quite broad. What are your preliminary reflections on the concept of “Standards of Governance”?

Miriam: As a legal scholar, I am directly engaged with questions concerning the normative binding nature of standards and, more broadly, their legal character. Beyond the processes of negotiation and codification, the mechanisms of enforcement and compliance monitoring are of particular interest. In the context of my own research on gender equality, I approach the concept of standards with a critical perspective. The standardization process, if understood as a form of uniform regulation, carries the inherent risk of diminishing diversity by imposing rigid frameworks. This tension between norm-setting and the preservation of plurality remains a central concern in my analysis.

Romy & Jonathan: What is the focus of your research, and in which thematic direction is your dissertation progressing?

Miriam: My research interests center on gender equality, with a particular emphasis on the European Union as a standard-setting authority. Given the principle of conferral, the EU’s legislative competence in the area of gender equality is restricted to the policy domains explicitly delineated in the EU Treaties.

Nevertheless, EU institutions, including the European Commission, actively seek to address gender equality in a broader framework, employing strategies that extend beyond formal legislation to include various non-legally binding instruments. However, the use of such instruments raises critical questions regarding a potential democratic deficit, particularly when they influence policy areas beyond the EU’s conferred competences. From a legal perspective, examining this toolbox of regulatory approaches—alongside the mechanisms for enforcement and oversight—offers valuable insights into the evolving governance of gender equality within the European Union.

“Although gender equality is enshrined in fundamental legal texts, its full realization remains an ongoing challenge”

Romy & Jonathan: Thank you for providing insight into your project. To what degree does your research hold social relevance?

Miriam: Although gender equality is enshrined in fundamental legal texts such as the German Basic Law and the EU Treaties, its full realization remains an ongoing challenge. Moreover, prevailing legal and policy frameworks often fail to adequately account for gender equality beyond the traditional binary conception of gender, thereby limiting their inclusivity and effectiveness. Thus, gender equality not only continues to require active promotion, but also remains subject to contestation and potential regression. This is particularly evident in contemporary developments across various global contexts, where advancements in gender equality are increasingly being challenged or undermined.

Romy & Jonathan: Has your doctoral project evolved or become more focused since you joined the RTG programme?

Miriam: Given my lack of prior engagement with the concept of standards and governance research, my doctoral project has naturally evolved over time, and I do not perceive this developmental process as complete. The continuous scholarly discussions within the Research Training Group have been instrumental in deepening my understanding of these theoretical frameworks. This ongoing exchange inevitably influences my own research: new ideas emerge, others are reconsidered or discarded, and I am constantly reflecting on how my work is situated within and contributes to this broader academic discourse.

“I consider it essential to move beyond the confines of a strictly discipline-specific framework and to embrace interdisciplinary exchange”

Romy & Jonathan: A doctorate within a Research Training Group differs from other forms of doctoral study in several ways. In your view, what are the key advantages of pursuing a doctorate within such a framework?

Miriam: One of the key advantages of pursuing a doctorate within a Research Training Group is the structured research environment, characterized by a fixed cohort and a shared thematic framework. Rather than engaging with fundamental research questions in isolation, doctoral researchers participate in a continuous exchange of ideas, collectively refining and advancing their inquiries. This collaborative dynamic fosters intellectual engagement, even as individual dissertation projects remain highly distinct. Beyond the shared thematic focus, the structured nature of a Research Training Group provides additional benefits, such as the regular presentation of one’s research in colloquia, followed by critical discussion. These structured opportunities for feedback not only enhance the quality of individual projects but also contribute to a broader academic dialogue within the group.

Romy & Jonathan: The RTG comprises political scientists, sociologists, philosophers, and legal scholars. How does this interdisciplinarity and diversity contribute to the development of your doctoral project?

Miriam: Although my research is primarily situated within the field of law, it inherently intersects with other disciplines. Engaging with these interdisciplinary dimensions is particularly valuable, as it allows for regular discussions with scholars from non-legal backgrounds who can offer alternative perspectives and novel insights. More broadly, I consider it essential to move beyond the confines of a strictly discipline-specific framework and to embrace interdisciplinary exchange. The Research Training Group provides an ideal setting for such engagement, fostering a collaborative environment in which diverse academic approaches enrich and complement one another.

Romy & Jonathan: How does the collaboration between the Goethe University and the Technical University of Darmstadt influence your research and doctoral project?

Miriam: Given that TU Darmstadt does not have a law faculty, the institutional cooperation has a somewhat lesser direct impact on my field of study compared to disciplines such as political science. Nevertheless, I consider this collaboration to be a significant enrichment. The partnership between various institutes across the two universities enhances the diversity of research perspectives and further strengthens the interdisciplinary character of the Research Training Group. This cross-institutional exchange fosters a broader intellectual dialogue, which is highly beneficial for advancing interdisciplinary research.

“International research offers the opportunity to engage with diverse legal cultures”

Romy & Jonathan: What benefits do you anticipate gaining from the international research opportunities provided within the framework of the Research Training Group?

Miriam: At this stage, I have not yet engaged in detailed planning for a potential research stay. However, I recognize that such opportunities are highly valuable for academic development. Research stays provide an excellent platform for establishing connections with scholars from different institutions, expanding professional networks, and gaining new intellectual stimuli. Furthermore, they offer the opportunity to engage with diverse legal cultures, which can provide critical insights and comparative perspectives that enrich one’s research.

Romy & Jonathan: What are the key focus areas and objectives of your research in the coming months?

Miriam: As I commenced my doctoral project only last year, my primary focus in the coming months will be on the detailed conceptual development of my research and the advancement of the initial sections of my dissertation. Additionally, I will actively contribute to a working group alongside my colleagues, engaging in an in-depth examination of the concept of standards, particularly in collaboration with the philosophers within the Research Training Group. Furthermore, I look forward to the arrival of the new fellows in the spring, with particular anticipation for the opportunity to engage with the incoming legal scholar.

Romy & Jonathan: Thank you very much for your interesting answers.

The interview was conducted by Romy Knappe and Jonathan Mück in February 2025.