The 'Amis de l'Université du Luxembourg' association awarded its 'Prix Rolf Tarrach' award for the best thesis yesterday to Italian lawyer and last year's PhD candidate, Valentina Covolo.
President of the association, Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, awarded the prize of €10,000 to the young scientist at a ceremony held yesterday at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Covolo's thesis was developed with the support of an AFR (Aides à la Formation-Recherche) scholarship from the National Research Fund (Fonds National de la Recherche FNR) and was dedicated to research in the domain of law in the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance at the University of Luxembourg.
The Law Research Unit is currently comprised of about 80 researchers, covering the entire spectrum of the legal field, with particular focus on European and economic law. Dr. Covolo, working under the tutelage of Dean Stefan Braum, devoted her thesis to fraud in the EU budget and, specifically, investigation procedures thereof.
"The theme is often overlooked by the general public, although it directly affects every tax-paying citizen of Europe," explained Dr. Covolo. "However, the topic is also at the heart of political topicality: some of the issues, such as the creation of a European Parquet and a Rile of Law, figure on the agenda of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the European Union which has just opened."
Dr. Covolo currently lives in Luxembourg and has reportedly just accepted a job offer in the academic field. She is currently collaborating with other research centres in the area of European Criminal Law projects. After spending two years as a Masters student, then three
years on her PhD in the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance, she has fond memories of this period of her life, stating:
"The intellectual vitality of the University, its international environment as well as its collaboration with other researchers, particularly with its European criminal law team, have continously enriched my perspectives and reflections."
The 'Prix Rolf Tarrach', which was renamed in honour of the former President of the University, is awarded annually to reward excellence in the field of research and promote the international reputation of the University of Luxembourg.
Photo by University of Luxembourg (L-R: Former President of the University, Rolf Tarrach ; President of 'Amis de l’Université', Erna Hennicot-Schoepges ; Prix Rolf Tarrach 2015 Winner Dr. Valentina Covolo ; Dean of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance, Stefan Braum)
