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Alex Sims
Blockchain researcher, academic, systems thinker, futurist
Alex Sims is an Associate Professor in the Department of Commercial Law at the University of Auckland Business School, New Zealand. Her academic career has focused on several areas of law, particularly intellectual property, consumer law, and more recently, blockchain technology and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). She has shifted her research emphasis towards how existing legal frameworks can adapt to incorporate these emerging technologies rather than merely fitting them into current laws.12
Academic Background and Career
- Education: Alex completed her law degree at the University of Otago and a Master of Commercial Law at the University of Auckland. She earned her PhD from Macquarie University, focusing on the governance and regulation of DAOs.3
- Professional Roles: Besides her teaching role, she is a member of the Executive Council of BlockchainNZ and represented New Zealand on the OECD's Blockchain Expert Policy Advisory Board. She has also contributed to various governance bodies outside the university, including ConsumerNZ and Telecommunications Dispute Resolution.123
Research Interests
Alex Sims's research spans:
- Intellectual Property Law: Particularly copyright law.
- Consumer Law: Examining unfair contract terms and their implications in New Zealand.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Investigating the legal implications of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and DAOs, with a focus on how these technologies can transform legal practices.14
Publications
She has authored several significant papers, including:
- "Decentralised Autonomous Organisations: Governance, Dispute Resolution and Regulation" (2021)
- "Blockchain, Smart Contracts and the Law" (2020)
- "Regulating Cryptocurrencies in New Zealand" (2018) .13
Contributions to the Field
Sims has been actively involved in discussions about the intersection of technology and law, particularly concerning privacy issues related to blockchain. She advocates for using blockchain to empower individuals with control over their personal data, suggesting it could redefine privacy in digital transactions.4
In summary, Alex Sims is a prominent figure in legal academia with a strong focus on adapting legal frameworks to accommodate technological advancements, particularly in blockchain and consumer rights.
