Dr Fijalkowski’s work focuses on understanding the implications of legal principles developed in the aftermath of World War II, particularly in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe.

She draws on archival works in countries affected by the conflict to understand how these principles influence our approach to transitional justice - a process that refers to how societies respond to human rights violations - in the present day.

The interdisciplinary nature of her work sees her using historical material, compiling biographies of key individuals to understand their personal and collective impact on pivotal moments in history, such as the Polish war crimes trials. Having completed an MA in screenwriting at Leeds Beckett, Dr Fijalkowski has also produced a number of short films to illustrate the legal issues that war and conflict can create.

Her focus on the role of the defence lawyer and the significant influence that they have had on legal principles is informed by a strongly held belief that democracy should afford everyone a right to a fair trial.

Dr Fijalkowski’s work to understand how Poland has approached conflict after World War II has brought her to modern day Ukraine, understanding how structures can be put in place to ensure the country is equipped to better address the aftermath of war. She is one of three UK academics working with the Ukrainian government to introduce sociolegal studies at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, ensuring that post-conflict Ukraine has access to future practitioners in relation to legal defence work.

Dr Fijalkowski cites Leeds Beckett’s openness to embracing interdisciplinary collaboration as a key influence on her work. She is currently fostering a research community within the city, focused on the important role that archival work can play in incomplete historical, social and legal narratives, particularly within conflict-affected regions.