The University of Copenhagen (KU) has unveiled its first bust of a woman, honoring professor emerita Eva Smith. The sculpture, located in front of the Faculty of Law, was revealed in a ceremony attended by Smith herself.

Eva Smith, who is Denmark’s first female law professor, was recognized for her significant impact on the Danish legal profession. The bust was created by sculptor Gudrun Steen-Andersen.

According to a social media post by the university, the dean of the Faculty of Law, Jacob Graff Nielsen, highlighted Smith’s influence, stating that she has shaped generations of lawyers. He emphasized her insistence that law must remain connected to reality and her willingness to voice her opinions on important issues. Nielsen noted that she could always be counted on to share clear and wise views with heart when something important was at stake in the legal community.

Beyond her academic contributions, Smith has remained active in public debate, including criticizing the government’s refugee policy in relation to Gaza. She has also held positions such as chairman of the Crime Prevention Council and served on various councils and committees, including the Judicial Council and the Police Commission. Additionally, she was appointed judge at the Eastern High Court.

Prior to this, the university’s main building featured six busts, all of whom were men. In 2017, an abstract sculpture was erected in honor of seismologist Inge Lehmann.