Mathilde De Sloovere

Please tell us about your research project.

As a doctoral student in law at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, my work focuses on the mechanism of sick leave and its meaning from the following topic: is absenteeism the result of abusive use of the mechanism or, on the contrary, is it the result of psychological suffering at work and deterioration of employees' health due to their work? In this regard, I study, among other things, the evolution of workers' working conditions and the respect for employees' rights.

My PhD focuses on the French mechanism. However, I adopt a comparative approach with the objective of bringing concrete proposals to the problems arising from the application of the sick leave system.

My purpose at Oxford University is to draw comparisons between the French and British legal systems. The aim is to identify the advantages and strengths of the British mechanism, and then to explore what can be transposed to the French system, and the potential positive effects.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your programme?

I am currently in my 4th year of PhD at Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne University. My doctoral mobility in Oxford extends from October 2022 to January 2023 (Michaelmas term).

Pursuing my doctoral research at Oxford University is a unique opportunity to work with experts in my field, in particular Professor Anne Davies, Dean of Oxford University.

Moreover, as a Visiting Researcher and Resident of the Maison Française d'Oxford, I have access to many libraries, including the famous Bodleian Library. Taking advantage of these facilities gives me the tools I need to pursue my research and carry out my comparative work.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?

Oxford is a breath of fresh air in this world, time seems to freeze here.

The libraries, open day and night, are a blessing. The University, but Oxford in general, seems to have endless resources at the students’ disposal.

Oxford is a complete city, it doesn't just shine in the intellectual sphere; it also provides a full range of sports and cultural facilities for students. Its cultural wealth and intellectual potential are unrivalled.

Oxford is one of those cities that makes you grow, change and have a lifelong impact on your life.