Since 2009, the IISTL has been awarding a Prize to a LLM student submitting the best LLM Research Project as part of their LLM studies. This prestigious Prize is designed to encourage LLM students to produce a research output of highest quality and is open for any Swansea LLM student writing their projects in the realm of international shipping and trade law.

The winner of the Prize in 2014 was Eleni-Nikoletta Baxivanou who originally hails from Greece. Eleni completed her LLM in International Maritime Law in 2013 at Swansea University. Prior to coming to Swansea, Eleni studied Law in Greece at Democritus University of Thrace. Eleni is currently working in Daniolos Law Firm in Greece dealing with ship sales and purchase and also ship finance. The Prize was presented to Eleni during the LLM Graduation reception by Mr Andrew Beale OBE (Deputy Head of the College of Law). Commenting after receiving the award Eleni said:

"It is a great honour for me to be awarded by such an accomplished and recognized group of researchers. Throughout the tough previous year I had the opportunity to meet and be taught by people who did their best to provide us with knowledge and practical experience that will help me build my carrier in the future. Swansea gave me the chance to meet people from all around the world, see new places and feel the hospitality of Wales, but most importantly to make friends for a lifetime."

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Associate Professor Andrew Beale, O.B.E. (Sub-Dean of Law, Deputy Head of College) delivering the IISTL Prize to Miss Baxivanou

The LLM Reception which was held at Marriot Hotel provided a great opportunity to LLM graduates and their families/friends to meet with the teaching staff at Swansea. Those who were present took the opportunity to thank the College of Law staff for the dedication and hard work they put in to contribute to the education of the new generation of commercial and maritime lawyers and left the event feeling confident of the fact that Swansea LLM will provide their loved ones enviable opportunities in their professional lives.