Sara Hagemann

What do you research?

I am an expert on international and European politics and have published extensively on issues related to political processes and representation in the European Union, transparency in politics, and the role of national parliaments in international affairs. I am is currently Professor of Political Science and Vice Dean at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Copenhagen University, where she joined in September 2021. Before then I was associate professor at the London School of Economics and Associate Dean at the LSE School of Public Policy and a faculty member of the LSE European Institute. Furthermore, I have held positions as head of programme and policy analyst at the European Policy Centre’s Political Europe Programme and the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels. senior fellow at the UK in a Changing Europe, and worked in the Danish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Why is it so important?

The European Union is the most integrated international organisation in the World, organized around the common interest of its member states in economic, social, political, and security matters. Its governance structures are enshrined in detailed agreements and treaties, and with the scope and depth of collaboration across policy areas it is a fascinating ‘laboratory’ for testing political science models and concepts. EU and member state policies affect all European citizens on a daily basis, and the investigation into member state dynamics and developments in national and EU politics is a constant evolving field.

A project you are proud of?

I have been advising governments and organisations over the past twenty years and have had the privilege of taking part in many expert groups e.g for EU Commission President Barosso; Prime Minister Cameron; for the UK House of Commons. I have also published in several leading academic journals. An experience which stands out in policy terms is perhaps to have set alight a heated front page debate in the UK media over the treatment of EU nationals and experts during the Brexit process, which had extensive impact in both the public debate and in policy circles: eg The Guardian.

Updated January 2022

Through her participation in the Mary Centre’s Policy Fellowship, Sara has among others worked with Anne Thomassen, Head of Division in the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, and given an inspirational talk to all policy fellows working with the green transition (Policy Fellowship 2022-23 - Green Transition).