Fatos Selita
Staff details
Dr Fatos Selita — a Barrister of England and Wales and an Attorney of the State of New York — has directed AIR Courses since 2014.
With training in Law, Behavioural Genetics and Psychology, Fatos’ work focuses on bridging science and law.
Fatos has taught internationally, including at Oregon State University, Tomsk State University, New York University, University of New Haven, Higher School of Economics and Udayana University. He has co-developed the MSc Human Development: Genetics, Neuroscience and Psychology and has taught several modules on this programme.
He is a founding member of The Accessible Genetics Consortium (TAGC), the founder of The UK Law and Society Association (UKLSA), and the Executive Publisher at Legal Issues Journal. Fatos was previously associated with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and Goldberg Kohn, Chicago.
Academic qualifications
- PhD Psychology. Goldsmiths, University of London. 2023
- Admitted to the Bar (Attorney and Counselor at Law) of the State of New York, USA. 2014
- Called to the Bar (Barrister) of England and Wales. 2009
- Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Skills. The City University, London. 2009
- Bachelor of Laws. Queen Mary, University of London. 2008
- Three years study in Mechanical Engineering. Polytechnic University of Tirana. 2001
- Three years Academy. Skenderbej Academy, Tirana. 1998
Teaching and Supervision
Courses Fatos teaches (to undergraduate, postgraduate and industry professionals) include:
- Psychology of Decision-Making
- Genetics and Law
- Principles of Communication
- Genes and Gini: Impact of Inequality on Heritability
- Legal, Ethical and Societal Implications of Research
- Psychology and Law
- Public Speaking and Presenting; Combatting Fear of Public Speaking
- Speech Writing
- Advocacy
- International Business Law; Drafting and Negotiating International Contracts
Research interests
Current work focuses on:
Genomics and Justice (e.g. regulation of applications of genetic information and advances, readiness of societies for the Genomic Era).
Sentencing (and Free Will) in the Genomic Era.
Decision Making (the Psychology of).
Genes and Gini (Impact of Inequality on Heritability).
Ethics in Research.
Further profile content
Featured publications
2021:
Oedipus Rex in the Genomic Era: Human Behaviour, Law and Society
This book explores the answers to fundamental questions about the human mind and human behaviour with the help of two ancient texts: Oedipus Rex and DNA.
2018:
Genes and Gini: What Inequality Means for Heritability
A paper on the link between inequality (beyond poverty) and genetic effects on our traits/behaviour.
2023: Consensus too soon: judges’ and lawyers’ views on genetic information use
2020: Judging in the Genomic era: judges’ genetic knowledge, confidence and need for training.
2019: Genetic Data Misuse: Risk to Fundamental Human Rights in Developed Economies.
Professional projects
Fatos has delivered interdisciplinary training to a range of professional groups, including:
- The Judiciary (Mind Influences; Psychology of Decision Making; Memory and Justice; Lie Detection)
- Lawyers (Genomics and Law – legal implications of genomic applications)
- Medical professionals (Communication and Public Speaking)
- Military personnel (Psychology of Decision Making)
Goldsmiths Research Centres/Groups
Research projects
Conferences and talks
Regular conference presentations and invited talks internationally.
Public Engagement, Knowledge Exchange and Pro bono
Fatos is active in public engagement, and knowledge dissemination and transfer activities. For example, from 2008 he has founded, and managed the work of, the UKLSA — organising UK-wide pro-bono activities, including for 10 consecutive years one of the largest inter-institutional moot court/advocacy competitions — the UKLSA Moot and Advocacy Competition — including the first known Digital Advocacy competition, iMAC Digital; for five consecutive years, the UKLSA's Annual Equality Conference on Access to Justice and the Legal Profession; and organising regular careers events and providing making available careers support to all UK law students and graduates.
He has organised a number of international interdisciplinary conferences on genetics, law and society.
