National research programme in criminality

Goals of the research programme

The research programme in crime shall add new knowledge about the causes and consequences of criminality, and also about methods for preventing and fighting crime. A strategic research agenda that will be followed up, evaluated, and updated continuously will form the basis for the programme. The research agenda will focus on knowledge needs and identify the activities needed to fulfil the aims of the programme. The programme-specific goals will also be identified in the research agenda.

Work on the strategic research agenda started in autumn 2021, and is expected to be completed in 2023.

Participating actors

The programme committee includes representatives from Forte, Formas, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and the Swedish Crime Victim Authority. They give advice on how the programme and the strategic research agenda shall be designed, take part in joint calls where their interests coincide, and provide orientation about ongoing and planned initiatives.

Besides the programme committee, there is also a knowledge committee with representatives from the Swedish Police Authority, the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, the National Board of Health and Welfare, the Swedish Economic Crime Authority, the National Board of Forensic Medicine and The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR). The knowledge committee contributes in the identification of knowledge gaps and knowledge interests, based on the various public agencies’ areas of responsibility, and gives feedback on research reviews and the programme’s research agenda.

The national research programme also has a reference group with researchers who provide advice on the contents of the research agenda.

Calls within the programme

Projects awarded funding will be part of the national research programme focusing on criminality, and will be coordinated by a scientific coordinator.