Speakers at the Nordic Conference on Law and IT 2025

The overview is updated along the way.

Samson Esayas

Associate Professor, University of Oslo

Designing Tech Regulation for Complex Systems: Insights from Complexity Science? 

Liane Colonna

Associate Professor, Stockholm University

Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED): Towards More Effective Regulation

Abstract

This paper critically assesses the effectiveness of the EU AI Act in regulating artificial intelligence in higher education (AIED), with a focus on how it interacts with existing education regulation. It examines the growing use of high-risk AI systems – such as those used in admissions, assessment, academic progression, and exam proctoring – and identifies key regulatory frictions that arise when AI regulation and education regulation pursue overlapping but potentially conflicting aims. Central to this analysis is the concept of human oversight: while the AI Act frames oversight as a safeguard for accountability and fundamental rights, education regulation emphasises the professional autonomy of teachers and their role in maintaining pedagogical integrity. Yet, the regulatory role of teachers in AI-mediated environments remains unclear. Applying Mousmouti’s effectiveness test, the paper evaluates the AI Act along four dimensions – purpose, coherence, results, and structural integration with the broader legal framework – and argues that legal effectiveness in this context requires a more precise alignment between AI and education regulation. 

Biography

Liane Colonna is currently employed as an associate professor in law and information technology at the Department of Law, Stockholm University (SU) where she is performing research in the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanity and Society (WASP-HS) program. She is also the director of the Swedish Law and Informatics Research Institute (IRI) and has been a member of the New York Bar since 2008.

Andrej Savin

Professor, Copenhagen Business School

Risk-Based Regulation Across Digital Acts

Abstract

This presentation explores how lawmaking can adapt to contexts of deep uncertainty –situations where stakeholders lack consensus on models, probabilities, or values guiding decisions. Such uncertainty characterizes long-term policy domains like climate change or emerging technologies. Traditional legal approaches struggle amid unclear evidence, divergent interests, and rapidly shifting contexts. The presentation discusses risk-based regulatory strategies. Drawing on examples such as the EU’s AI Act, GDPR, and other digital frameworks, it highlights both the promise and pitfalls of risk-based regulation – balancing flexibility with legitimacy while acknowledging persistent blind spots and institutional challenges in managing the unknown.

Biography

Andrej Savin is a Professor of IT Law and Internet Law at Copenhagen Business School. His main research interests lie in internet regulation, IT Law, law & management and law & strategy. In particular, he looks at how the EU formulates IT policy and how EU regulation influences business models and company strategies. Andrej Savin also works on law and management in the legal environment, in particular with focus on the interplay between law, ethics, business and society in the digital world.

Ida Koivisto

Professor, University of Helsinki

Tech Regulation and the Emergence of ‘New Humans’

Abstract

In the presentation, I discuss a development I call the emergence of new humans in European technology regulation and ethical discourses. This means that instead of natural persons, bureaucrats or civil servants, ‘humans’ are assigned legal assignments and power. Humans are required to be in the loop, on the loop, or in command. This is reflected in legal requirements such as ‘human intervention,’ ‘human oversight,’ or ‘human judgment.’ In the presentation, I aim to show and problematize the emergence of new ‘humans’ as a corollary of digital technologies; by invoking to humans, regulation reflects and reproduces human/machine distinction that may prove problematic. I argue that paradoxically, this ‘human’ is a conceptual transplant from the discourses of technology and its incorporation into law is uneasy.

Biography

Ida Koivisto is professor of public law at the University of Helsinki. She specializes in the legal legitimation strategies of public administration, particularly in a digital context.

Jøren Ullits

Associate Professor, University of Southern Denmark

'Why This Decision?' – Regulating Reasoning and Explanations in Automated Administrative Decision-Making

Abstract

“Why this decision?” – The duty to provide reasons in administrative law was conceived with individual decision-making in mind – specifically, decisions made by human actors. Can this cornerstone of administrative law be meaningfully upheld when public administrations deploy AI systems to make decisions? Furthermore, does the GDPR or the AI Act, offer added value by complementing the duty to give reasons, thereby enabling it to better fulfil its purpose in an automated administrative context?

Biography

Jøren Ullits is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark, and head of the public law group. His research sits at the intersection of law and technology. He focuses on the development of digital administrative solutions that align with administrative law, fundamental administrative principles, and data protection legislation. His work investigates how legal frameworks can shape – and be shaped by – technological innovation in public administration. In addition to his research activities, Jøren leads the mandatory LL.B course in Administrative Law, the LL.M course in Digital Administrative Law, and a summer school on AI and Administrative Law at the University of Southern Denmark. He is also actively involved in the practical application of administrative law through various chairmanship roles related to valuation and compensation.

Helena Haapio

Professor of Practice, University of Vaasa

Cutting through Complexity: From Complifiers to Simplifiers with Legal Design

Abstract

Lawyers are said to have a talent for turning clarity into complexity and then charging to explain it. In this session, Helena Haapio (and her cautious friend, the Pocket Lawyer) present a thought-provoking idea: what if we wrote and designed legal documents and contracts differently? What if we embraced the new ISO standard, ISO 24495-2 Plain Language – Part 2: Legal Communication, and started to make life easier for others? With the help of Legal Design and AI, she shows how we can shift from complifiers to simplifiers, cut through complexity, and transform our documents into actionable tools that work for all.

Biography

Helena Haapio is Professor of Practice at the University of Vaasa and Contract Strategist at Lexpert Ltd. A pioneer of Proactive Law and Legal Design, she works to make contracts and law serve people, business, and society better. Combining strategic legal thinking with design thinking and doing, Helena collaborates in multiprofessional teams to simplify contracts and legal documents, transforming them from complex to clear and actionable. Her mission is to redefine how contracts are created, communicated, and experienced. She is a co-creator of the WorldCC Contract Design Pattern Library and a member of the JARGONFREE Contract Language Research Group, which develops tools for sustainable and responsible contracting. She is also the co-editor of Generative AI, Contracts, Law and Design (Springer, 2025) and two books for Edward Elgar: the Research Handbook on Contract Design (2022) and Legal Design (2021). She is currently co-editing the Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Legal Design.

Morten Hjorth-Jensen

Professor, University of Oslo

Introduction to quantum computing, risks and prospects

Abstract

In this seminar I will try to give a pedestrian yet comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles underpinning quantum technologies. Beginning with the essential quantum concepts that form their theoretical foundation, I will examine how these ideas are translated into contemporary technological applications. The discussion will further address the interplay between scientific advances and current public and private investments in the field, providing an outlook on prospective developments over the coming decade. Finally, I will consider a range of ethical and legal challenges that accompany the ongoing expansion of quantum technologies.

Biography

Morten Hjorth-Jensen is a physicist focusing on quantum many-body theory, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning. He emphasizes computational methods as a theoretical technique, in particular the development of state-of-the-art algorithms for the study of interacting quantum mechanical systems. See more info about Hjorth-Jensen. 

Peter Davis

Postdoc, University of Copenhagen

Quantum computing and the law 

Abstract

Following Morten Hjorth-Jensen’s introduction to quantum technologies, its risks and prospects, this presentation explores the legal and governance dimensions of quantum computing. Quantum computing gives rise to both present and future legal issues - many will be manageable within existing frameworks, but some will require new approaches. The talk highlights these challenges before a deeper examination of export controls as a key regulatory instrument shaping global competition. Framed within the forthcoming Inter-CeBIL (KU) book project, Quantum Technology Governance: Law, Policy, and Ethics in the Quantum Era (Springer, 2026), the talk highlights the role of law in harnessing quantum’s potential, mitigating its risks, and determining the winners and losers of the quantum arms race.

Biography

Peter Davis is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Bioscience Innovation Law (CeBIL), University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on the intersection of law, technology, and governance, with expertise in ICT law, data protection, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies such as quantum computing. Peter holds an LLM in ICT Law from the University of Oslo and his doctoral thesis focused on the regulation of encryption and fundamental rights.

Olav Torvund

Professor Emeritus, University of Oslo

The History of the Nordic Conferences

Peter Wahlgren

Professor, University of Stockholm

Remembering Peter Seipel

Biography

Peter Wahlgren is a professor of law and IT and former director of the Institute for Legal Informatics at the Department of Law, Stockholm University. His research focuses on the consequences of technological development and digitisation for the judicial system, particularly with regard to legislative techniques and methods. A key area of interest is processes in which legal regulations, systems thinking and automation are integrated – work that not only has practical consequences but also gives rise to new regulatory needs and ethical issues. Peter was chair of the Foundation for Legal Information between 2014 and 2017.

Tobias Mahler

Professor, University of Oslo

Chair for Opening Session and moderator for panel discussion 6 November at 12:15-15:00

Biography

Professor Tobias Mahler is director of the Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law. His current research focuses on regulating robotics and artificial intelligence, as well as on risk-based approaches in law, including in the context of digital identity. He has advised the EU Commission in its preparation for the Digital Services Act and has participated in the development of standards for artificial intelligence. Mahler is deputy co-director of the Norwegian AI centre TRUST.

Rebecca Schmidt

Associate Professor, OsloMet

Moderator for panel discussion 'AI Act, what now?'

Biography

Rebecca Schmidt is an Associate Professor of Law at Oslo Business School, Oslo Metropolitan University. She specializes in AI regulation and private standard-setting. Her latest publication on the EU Artificial Intelligence Act is published in the Santa Clara Journal of International Law.

Mona Naomi Lintvedt

Special Advisor, The Norwegian Tax Administration

Participant in panel discussion 'AI Act, what now?'

Kristin Bergtora Sandvik

Professor, University of Oslo

Moderator for panel discussion on quantum law

Vebjørn Krågebakk

Data Governance Consultant and Project Manager, Infotechtion

Participant in panel discussion on quantum law

Biography

Vebjørn Krågebakk is an experienced leader with several years leading departments, projects and initiatives across industries, now working within data security and governance for Infotechtion. His combined roles as project manager and business transformation specialist provide key insights into the challenges and opportunities corporations often deal with when faced with AI and data security concerns. Of quantum experience, Vebjørn published the report “The Ecosystem Surrounding Quantum Technologies” in January 2025 for Kongsberg Gruppen. He is also involved in several different quantum initiatives.

Emily Weitzenböck

Professor, OsloMet

Moderator for panel discussion 'The Future of Nordic collaboration'

Sebastian Schwemer

Professor, BI Norwegian Business School

Participant in panel discussion 'The Future of Nordic collaboration'

Biography

Sebastian Schwemer is professor of law and technology at the Department of Law and Governance, BI Norwegian Business School. He is also associate professor of law at the Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen, where he previously served as director of the Centre for Information and Innovation Law. Sebastian has advised national lawmakers and the European Commission in relation to technology regulation. He has experience from various legal and interdisciplinary research projects and has been active in the startup ecosystem, e.g. as co-initiator of CPHFTW and Techfestival Copenhagen.

Stanley Greenstein

Associate Professor, University of Stockholm

Participant in panel discussion 'The Future of Nordic collaboration'

Biography

Stanley Greenstein (Jur. Dr.) is an Associate Professor (Docent) in Law and Information Technology at the Faculty of Law, Stockholm University. He is Chairman of the Board, Swedish Law and Informatics Research Institute (IRI) and of the Trust for Legal Information. His teaching, research and project participation focuses primarily on the interaction between law and technology, with a focus on the legal regulation of emerging technologies (AI), proactive legal design and the ethical implications of the increased reliance on digital technologies for society.

Thomas Hoffmann

Professor, TalTech

Participant in panel discussion 'The Future of Nordic collaboration'

Biography

Dr. Thomas Hoffmann is Tenured Associate Professor of Private Law and head of the Research Group Private Law at the Department of Law (TalTech Law School) at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia. He graduated (2005) and also obtained his PhD in law at the University of Heidelberg (2006). After his admission to the German bar in 2008 and obtaining an LL.M. in Polish business law from Jagiellonian University in Kraków, he worked as an associated lawyer in the real estate department of Noerr LLP in their offices in Kyiv and Berlin. Consecutively he became research fellow at the Institute of East European Law in Kiel, Germany (2009), where he had a special research focus on international insolvency law. In 2011, he relocated to the University of Tartu (Estonia) to be appointed DAAD Lecturer in Law. He became Associate Professor at TalTech Law School in 2016, before he was elected Professor of Private law at the same institute in 2019.

Thomas’ research focusses on comparative private law, here especially in insolvency law, private international law, contracts in digital environments and consumer law. He provided comprehensive research on Estonian, German and international law as sub-contractor (28) or principal investigator (7) within various EC tenders, among them 15 assessing the conformity of transpositions of EU Directives.

Sara Habberstad

Vice President for Legal and Compliance, Link Mobility Group and editor of 'Lov&Data'.

Participant in panel discussion 'The Future of Nordic collaboration'

Biography

Sara Habberstad has spent the majority of her career where Technology meets business, in in-house roles in technology companies. International and Nordic cooperation and collaboration has been an important part in these roles. She now manages legal and compliance in a company with global presence, including Nordic nations. Sara Habberstad is also chairman for the board of the Norwegian association for Computers and law, and editor for “Lov&Data”, where she cooperates with editors from other Nordic nations to provide members in all countries with highlights, insights and updates in technology law.

Juhana Riekkinen

Lecturer, University of Lapland

Participant in panel discussion 'The Future of Nordic collaboration'

Biography

Juhana Riekkinen (LL.D. trained on the bench) is a University Lecturer in Legal Informatics at the Faculty of Law, University of Lapland. His monograph dissertation, which was accepted with honours and published commercially in 2019, combined evidence law with perspectives from the field of legal informatics, examining the life-cycle of digital data within the context of the Finnish legal framework on the gathering, presentation, and evaluation of evidence in criminal proceedings.

His research interests span a broad array of topics at the intersection of information, ICT, and law. In his publications, he has examined themes such as investigatory powers, exclusion of evidence, online fraud, the burden of explanation in criminal cases, freedom of expression and platform regulation, data protection, and the regulation of artificial intelligence.

He has contributed to projects on blockchain technology ('Powered by Blockchain', funded by the European Social Fund), predictive AI applications in the field of healthcare and social services ('MAITE', funded by the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health) and gathering of electronic evidence for administrative investigations ('ELEVADMIN', funded by the European Commission / the Directorate-General for European Anti-Fraud Office). Currently, he is responsible for teaching legal informatics at the Faculty of Law. Additionally, he has experience in teaching procedural law and regularly lectures at training events for judges, lawyers, prosecutors, and other professionals.