The NIJ Conference
The NIJ Conference brings together criminal justice scholars, policymakers and practitioners at the local, state and federal levels to share recent findings and new developments.
The conference showcases what works, what doesn't work, and what the research shows as promising. It puts a heavy emphasis on the benefits to researchers and practitioners who work together to create effective evidence-based policies and practices.
See highlights from past conferences.
The next NIJ Conference is not yet scheduled.
Who Should Attend
- Researchers interested in criminal justice.
- Policymakers responsible for shaping public safety or social services.
- Practitioners in criminal justice interested in technology and DNA.
- Students interested in criminal justice issues.
What You'll See
At every NIJ Conference, we bring researchers and practitioners together in a variety of ways to share new findings, establish new relationships and explore new opportunities.
| Keynote Speakers Joan Petersilia, Stanford Law School, delivered the keynote speech in 2012, "Looking Back to See the Future of Prison Downsizing in America." Researchers at the top of their fields offer unique perspectives on today's problems, suggestions to overcome challenges and ideas for new opportunities. |
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Plenary Panels Plenary panelists bring together researchers, executive practitioners and policymakers to discuss complex issues, such as officer safety or using researcher-practitioner partnerships to change how we study crime, that require a multifaceted approach. This photo features panelists from "Protecting Our Protectors: Using Science to Improve Officer Safety and Wellness." |
| Exhibits In the exhibit area at the NIJ Conference, attendees have a chance to see the practical benefits of research. This photo shows a demonstration of different types of body armor. The exhibit booth featured an explanation of various ballistic threats and a display of inmate-manufactured weapons. There was also a "stab-o-meter" to show attendees how much force can be exerted during a stabbing motion. |
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Poster Sessions Poster session give attendees a chance to get updates on NIJ-funded research in progress from all three of NIJ's "bedrock" sciences — social, physical and forensic. Poster sessions offer the opportunity for grantees to discuss informally discuss their work and engage in one-on-one conversations. |
