Opi Outhwaite joined the Law School in 2009. Prior to this she was AHRC Research Fellow at the University and taught at the University of Hertfordshire and the Natural Resources Institute. She has over 10 years' experience in teaching and research centred on international law and sustainable development.
Opi is co-editor-in-chief of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Journal, a member of the Electronics Watch International Advisory Group and participates in several networks for international environmental law and business and human rights. She has provided research and consultancy for governmental and non-governmental bodies including the UK Department for environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), equivalent bodies in Tanzania and Belize and Electronics Watch. Opi has been involved in numerous outreach and engagement activities and was interviewed by BBC Radio 4 in relation to her work on legal issues for honeybee conservation.
Opi was awarded HEA funding to disseminate her innovative work in developing the Crime and Problem Solving course to lecturers from across UK law schools. Opi has undertaken a range of responsibilities in addition to her teaching and research. From 2011-2015 she led a major programme for enhanced transition which had a significant impact on the student experience and on attainment and retention. In 2017 she established and leads the Teaching and Learning in Law & Criminology research group (TALLAC), which spans pedagogical research and the practice and dissemination of innovation and best practice. She is also leading, with Stacy Banwell, a major Departmental review of equality and inclusion practices.