Implementation Science in Criminal Justice: The Probation Experience in Europe
The International Network for Criminal Justice is hosting a two-part international online webinar series exploring the growing role of implementation science in criminal justice.
Online Webinar Part I: European Perspective
Implementation Science in Criminal Justice: The Probation Experience in Europe
16:00 BST (UK time), Tuesday 21st April 2026
This series brings together leading experts, practitioners and researchers to examine how research evidence can be more effectively applied in real-world criminal justice settings, particularly in probation services. By strengthening the connection between academic research and frontline practice, the presentation and discussions aim to support more effective, evidence-informed justice systems across international jurisdictions.
What You Will Gain
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Understand how research is applied in real-world probation settings
Learn from examples of practice in different countries
Identify common challenges and how they are addressed
Reflect on how approaches might be adapted in your own context
Take part in international discussion and shared learning
The webinars will examine how new research and developments can be translated into practice, what has proven effective in different contexts, and what challenges have emerged. They will also address persistent gaps between academic research and frontline practitioners, and consider how implementation science can help bridge these divides.
The first online webinar session will consider a European Perspective, highlighting innovative initiatives from Ireland, Romania, and Slovenia, while exploring the practical challenges of embedding evidence-based approaches within probation systems. Drawing on examples from across Europe.
European Webinar Chair
Vivian Geiran, Probation Institute and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work & Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)
Speakers
Ioan Durnescu, Probation Institute and Professor at the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work (Romania)
Michelle Richardson, Assistant Principal Probation Officer and the lead for Learning and Organisational Development in the Probation Service (Ireland)
Danijela Mrhar Prelic, Director of the Slovenian Probation Service (Slovenia)
Looking Ahead
The second webinar, American Perspectives, taking place from 4pm (UK time) Tuesday 9th June 2026, will provide a United States perspective, continuing the dialogue with insights from American practice and policy.
A follow-up Roundtable Discussion will take place from 4pm (UK time) Tuesday 30th June 2026, offering the opportunity to reflect more deeply on the themes raised and exchange ideas across jurisdictions.
International Participation
These webinars are designed for a global network of criminal justice practitioners. They bring together speakers and participants from different criminal justice systems to support comparative learning and shared understanding.
If you are unable to attend live, recordings will be made available after each session.