LEXINGTON, Ky. — Faculty and researchers from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work will present their scholarship at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) 63rd Annual Meeting, held March 3–7, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Founded in 1963, ACJS is an international professional association dedicated to advancing criminal justice education, research, and policy. The annual meeting convenes scholars, practitioners, and students from across disciplines to examine contemporary issues shaping justice systems in the United States and globally.
This year, Criminal Justice faculty in the College of Social Work will contribute to multiple sessions addressing critical and emerging areas of criminal justice research and practice.
Presentations span topics such as online harms and digital violence, community-led justice reform, correctional policy, and the intersections of gender, ideology, and violence in online spaces.
Faculty will also engage in interdisciplinary panels that explore the impact of research on prevention, intervention, policy creation and implementation, as well as community-based responses to criminal offending and social harm.
In addition to conference presentations, the College of Social Work will host a gathering for alumni, faculty, staff, and friends attending ACJS, creating space for connection and community during the conference.
For those interested in attending, registrations can be completed here.
The College’s presence at the ACJS Annual Meeting represents a continued investment in national and international conversations about crime, justice and safety for all people.
The conference also aligns with the College’s observance of National Criminal Justice Month in March, a time dedicated to recognizing the professionals, scholars and community partners working to strengthen justice systems and public safety.
As part of this broader effort, participation in ACJS helps launch a month of storytelling and appreciation events, highlighting the impact of the University’s criminal justice community — including faculty research, student and alumni contributions, and the work of public safety partners such as University of Kentucky Police and security professionals.
