Charis Kubrins' research shows that, contrary to what may be commonly assumed, immigration has contributed to lower crime rates in many cities in the United States, Canada and Australia; results in European countries are more mixed. Several studies reviewed indicate that crime rates are lower among immigrants than among natives in the same city.

Kubrin's research also points to the need for greater precision in conducting migration studies. For example, she has looked at how differences between illegal and legal immigrants, first- and second-generation immigrants, and economic conditions affect the results. Her research does not support the common assumption that immigration, in general, leads to increased crime.

Dr. Kubrin is a professor of criminology, law and society at the University of California-Irvine and co-director of the Irvine Laboratory for Space and Crime. She received her undergraduate degree from Smith College and her doctorate from the University of Washington.

Mark Lipsey 's research draws conclusions, based on meta-analyses of large numbers of independent studies, about the effects of rehabilitation on offenders. His findings point to the importance and benefits of rehabilitation programs for both young and older offenders. This contradicts the relatively common assumption that rehabilitation is not effective. On the contrary, his research provides further support for the thesis that insufficient resources for rehabilitation increase crime.

Lipsey is a professor at Vanderbilt University in the United States and director of the Peabody Research Institute. Lipsey received his undergraduate degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University.

About the Stockholm Prize in Criminology

The Stockholm Prize in Criminology is an international prize awarded annually. Behind the prize is the Stockholm Prize in Criminology Foundation, founded by the Torsten Söderberg Foundation and the Swedish government. The prize was awarded for the first time in 2006. Some international organizations also contribute to the prize in an important way.

The prize is awarded for outstanding achievements in criminological research or for the practical application of research findings in the field of law enforcement and the promotion of human rights. An independent international jury proposes laureates based on nominations. The award ceremony will take place in June 2026 in Stockholm City Hall and coincide with the Stockholm Criminology Symposium.

Torsten Söderberg Foundation and the award
Stockholm Prize in Criminology
Stockholm Criminology Symposium

Photo: Vanderbilt University/UC Irvine School of Social Ecology