Gemeinsam forschen
für eine bessere Zukunft
Unabhängige kriminologische Forschung – wissenschaftlich fundiert, praxisnah vernetzt.
Mehr erfahrenThe Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony
The Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony (KFN) is an independent, interdisciplinary research institute established in 1979 by the then Minister of Justice of Lower Saxony, Prof. Dr. Hans-Dieter Schwind. Its mandate is to carry out and promote practice-oriented criminological research as an independent research establishment. The institute works closely with the University of Göttingen on the basis of a cooperation agreement.
KFN is supported by a non-profit association. KFN is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture under the Ministry’s institutional funding programme.
Research Units at KFN
The KFN is divided into three Research Units: Aetiology of Deviance, Victimology, and Institutions of Social Control, supported by a Methods Department.
Research Unit I
Aetiology of Deviance
The research unit Aetiology of Deviance explores behaviour that deviates from social norms (deviance), with a particular emphasis on violations of institutionalized legal norms (criminality). The study focuses on understanding the diverse causes contributing to deviant and criminal behaviour within the group of offenders.
Research Unit II
Victimology
The interdisciplinary research unit “Victimology” investigates crime and deviant behavior with a special focus on individual victims and their social networks, while also considering the societal and systemic implications of criminal and deviant behavior.
Research Unit III
Institutions of Social Control
The interdisciplinary research unit “Institutions of Social Control” primarily focuses on (criminal) enforcement, particularly in the context of penal and custodial measures. However, the unit also examines the work of the criminal justice system and other institutions of social control that respond to norm violations through formalized procedures (e.g., police, youth and family services, sports tribunals).
Methods Department
Observation, measurement, and analysis of crime phenomena
The Methods Department deals with the research methods and statistical procedures used in criminology for the observation, measurement, and analysis of crime phenomena. In three focus areas, methodological developments and questions are addressed from various perspectives.
KFN Publications
Our publications are an important building block for making research visible beyond the academic context. They create transparency, promote exchange between science and society, and contribute to the sustainable establishment of new knowledge. Through publications, we contribute to sharing findings, sparking new discussions, and fostering innovation.
