She is an expert in international law and the domestic application of international obligations
The University of Alberta Faculty of Law has announced the appointment of Professor Joanna Harrington as vice dean, a position she will assume on February 1, 2025.
Professor Harrington is an expert in international law and the domestic application of international obligations. She has served as associate dean (research) for the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and as senior advisor to the vice-president (research and innovation). During her tenure, she developed innovative research support tools, launched a video guidance series for grant applications, and hosted SSH: The Podcast, showcasing the college's research excellence.
“As the faculty launches a strategic planning process and explores several new programming initiatives, having someone as experienced as Professor Harrington in the Vice Dean role will be of great benefit to the faculty,” said Fiona Kelly, Dean of Law.
Professor Harrington’s legal expertise spans international and transnational criminal law, human rights, and legal cooperation mechanisms such as extradition. Her scholarship has been widely published in leading journals, including the American Journal of International Law and The Canadian Yearbook of International Law. Her work has been cited by the Supreme Court of Canada, the House of Lords, and various parliamentary committees.
Beyond academia, Harrington has contributed to Canadian and international law as a member of the Canadian Human Rights Commission and through advisory roles with Global Affairs Canada. She has represented Canada in multilateral negotiations at the United Nations and other international bodies.
Her achievements include teaching appointments at institutions worldwide. She has taught law in Australia, China, England, Japan, Puerto Rico, and Suriname, and has engaged in cross-sectoral work with the Canadian Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House). Additionally, she has worked on consultancy projects with organizations such as the UNDP and has received numerous awards, including the Canadian Bar Association-Alberta Branch Distinguished Service Award in Legal Scholarship.
As vice dean, Harrington is expected to bring her wealth of experience and leadership to the Faculty of Law, helping to advance its academic mission and support new initiatives.
