Research

World class criminology research

At the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, research is at the core of everything we do. Our academics lead projects that address pressing challenges in crime and justice, from youth offending and violence prevention to cybercrime, policing and corrections. Students learn in a research-rich environment, gaining opportunities to contribute to impactful projects and real-world solutions.

Our research is continually rated “well above world standard” by the Australian Research Council, reflecting the strength and depth of our scholars and their impact on policy and practice.

Griffith Criminology Institute

The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is Griffith’s academic home for criminology and works closely with the Griffith Criminology Institute (GCI) – a world-leading hub for research that shapes policy, reduces harm and builds safer, fairer communities.

Our academics are part of the Institute, collaborating with government, industry and community partners to tackle challenges like youth crime, online safety and policing.

The Institute provides access to research networks, specialised facilities such as the Social Analytics Lab and initiatives that turn research into policy and practice.

Research focus areas

Disrupting cycles of crime and systemic inequality
Building safer and more resilient communities
Advancing violence prevention through evidence and partnership
Addressing Indigenous justice disparities with self-determination and cultural respect
Reimagining justice for equity, inclusion and healing

Research translation

At Griffith Criminology Institute, research doesn’t stay on paper, it drives change. Translation initiatives include:

Centre for Investigative Interviewing (CII) – Improving justice outcomes through advanced interviewing techniques.
Transforming Corrections to Transform Lives (TCTL) - Breaking intergenerational cycles of disadvantage by supporting mothers and children through evidence-based programs and systemic change.
Griffith Youth Forensic Service (GYFS) – Delivering interventions to prevent youth sexual violence and abuse.
Social Analytics Lab (SAL) – Securely managing and analysing sensitive data for research and policy development.

GCI Research Translation initiatives

Events

Griffith Criminology Institute hosts an array of events, from world-class conferences to the biennial Tony Fitzgerald Lecture Series.

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Pathways for Students

Postgraduate students work alongside leading researchers and contribute to projects with strong policy relevance. Whether you’re pursuing a Masters by Research or a PhD, you’ll join a vibrant research community.

CCJ Research and postgraduate study

News and insights

The Art of Wrongful Conviction

03 Jun 2026

Two worlds collide in a powerful new exhibition transforming criminological research into visual...

Parents most critical element in keeping kids safe online

21 Apr 2026

As online child exploitation (OCE) continues to rise in Australia, new...

Unspoken childhood experiences a key factor in male suicide

27 Mar 2026

In Australia, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. ...

World-leading Queensland service marks 25 years of transforming lives,...

06 Mar 2026

For 25 years, Griffith Youth Forensic Service (GYFS) has provided world-leading assessment and...

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Griffith Research

Griffith is one of Australia’s leading research universities

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HDR Scholarships

There are a range of generous scholarship programs that can cover tuition fees, living allowances paid as stipends, relocation and publication assistance. Scholarships are offered to domestic and international doctorate or masters by research applicants in two competitive application rounds each year.

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Student Resources

Griffith Graduate Research School (GGRS) is a dedicated point of contact for all higher degree research candidates at the University. GGRS works in collaboration with Academic Groups, Research Centres and Institutes to create a rewarding and supportive research environment for HDR candidates.

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Tony Fitzgerald Scholarship

The Tony Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund supports a Doctor of Philosophy student to conduct a three-year research project reflecting the ethos of the Fitzgerald Inquiry, drawn from areas including criminology, journalism, law, political science, and public administration. The prestigious scholarship contributes to the capacity of our future practitioners and researchers to maintain the Fitzgerald vision - to keep Parliament in its rightful place at the centre of the democratic system but with the law, community and media entrusted with an active role to keep the system honest and open.