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Research

Independent criminological research – interdisciplinary, scientifically sound, practical.

About the research projects

Research for a resilient society

The Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony (KFN) is an independent research institute dedicated to investigating the causes and consequences of crime. Our criminological research is fundamental, practice-oriented, and interdisciplinary. Our institute currently employs around 25 researchers from the fields of criminology, law, sociology, political science, and psychology, as well as a large number of student assistants and interns. The KFN is divided into three research units: Aetiology of Deviance, Victimology, and Institutions of Social Control, which are supported by a Methods Department.

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.

Good Scientific Practice

In order to implement the DFG Code “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice”, the KFN has concluded a cooperation agreement with the University of Göttingen. According to this cooperation agreement, the guidelines adopted by the Senate of the Georg-August University of Göttingen on 29/09/2021 will be implemented

The Ombuds Office can be contacted in particular if

  • questions arise regarding good scientific practice,
  • there is suspicion of scientific misconduct, or questions arise regarding possible steps in the ombuds procedure,
  • there is a conflict based on a possible violation of the rules of good scientific practice, and advice and/or mediation is required.