In her research, Charis Kubrinshows that, contrary to what is often assumed, immigration has contributed to lower crime rates in many cities in the United States, Canada, and Australia; the results in European countries are more mixed. Several reviewed studies indicate that crime rates are lower among immigrants than among native-born residents in the same city. Kubrin’s research also highlights the need for greater precision in the conduct of migration studies. Among other things, she has examined differences between illegal and legal immigrants, first- and second-generation immigrants, and how economic conditions influence the results. Her research does not support the common assumption that immigration, in general, leads to increased crime. Kubrin is a professor of criminology, law, and society at the University of California, Irvine, and one of the directors of the Irvine Laboratory for Space and Crime. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Smith College and her Ph.D. at the University of Washington.

In his research, Mark Lipsey drawsconclusions—based on meta-analyses of a large number of independent studies—regarding the effects of rehabilitation on offenders. His findings highlight the importance and benefits of rehabilitation programs for both young and older offenders. This contradicts the relatively common assumption that rehabilitation is ineffective. 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 earned his bachelor’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University.

This year's prize money totals 1.5 million kronor.

About the Stockholm Prize in Criminology
The Stockholm Prize in Criminology is an international award presented annually. The prize is administered by the Stockholm Prize in Criminology Foundation, which was established by the Swedish government and the Torsten Söderberg Foundation. The prize was awarded for the first time in 2006. Several international organizations also make significant contributions to the prize.

The award is presented for outstanding achievements in criminological research or for the practical application of research findings in the areas of crime prevention and the promotion of human rights. The independent international jury is chaired by Professors Lawrence W. Sherman and Jerzy Sarnecki.

The award ceremony will take place in conjunction with the Stockholm Criminology Symposium, which brings together experts from around the world and is organized annually by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention.

20th Anniversary of the Stockholm Prize in Criminology
The Torsten Söderberg Foundation and the Prize
The Stockholm Prize in Criminology
Stockholm Criminology Symposium

Photo: Vanderbilt University/UC Irvine School of Social Ecology