International Research in Corrections Conference (IRCC)

Theme: What Works in Corrections: Research Driving Safe Environments, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration

The International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) invites submissions for the inaugural International Research in Corrections Conference (IRCC) to be held in Auckland, New Zealand, from 2 – 5 March 2026. IRCC 2026 will be a landmark gathering of researchers, practitioners, and global organisations serving the international corrections community. ICPA is committed to ensuring that quality research informs practice, and IRCC is a key mechanism for enabling relevant and practical conversations across sectors in the justice arena.

Focusing on the theme of What Works in Corrections: Research Driving Safe Environments, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration, IRCC 2026 aims to build a platform for research that shapes more effective and humane correctional systems. We welcome papers that explore evidence, innovative practices, and insights contributing to safer correctional environments, more effective rehabilitation, and successful reintegration. Submissions should seek to inform policy, enhance practice, and inspire collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors.

What Do We Mean by ‘Research’ at IRCC 2026?

At IRCC 2026, we welcome a wide range of research contributions using diverse methodologies. We especially encourage submissions that communicate findings in ways that are accessible, practical, and relevant to those working in or alongside correctional systems.

The Programme Committee will look favourably on papers that reflect the following types of research:

Quantitative and/or Qualitative Research: empirical studies that draw on systematic data collection and analysis, either through statistical methodologies or in-depth qualitative approaches such as interviews, case studies, or ethnography.
Program Evaluations: research that assesses the effectiveness of correctional programs, interventions, or services, particularly those that demonstrate measurable outcomes and added value with clear lessons for practice or policy.
Lived Experience-Informed Research: papers that are grounded in, informed by, or co-produced with people who have lived experience of incarceration or justice system involvement, offering insight into personal, social, or systemic impacts.
Research Practice and Methodology: submissions that reflect on the challenges and opportunities of conducting research in correctional settings. Topics may include ethical considerations, access to data, partnerships with agencies, and methods for working within secure or restricted environments.
Institutional, Community Corrections and Systems Data: descriptive data presentations from government, academic, or community sectors that help inform policy and practice through trends, indicators, or performance data—especially when contextualised and critically interpreted.
Practice Research and Implementation Science: approaches which connect research with real-world practice to improve outcomes, services, and systems. Submissions can include practitioner-led inquiries, co-produced research, or implementation studies of how evidence-based approaches are adopted in correctional practice. These include case studies, reflections, and research that highlights learning from doing, adapting and improving practice in context.

Who Should Present?

We encourage submissions from a broad range of contributors, including:

Academic researchers in corrections and related fields such as criminology, psychology, social work, public health, education, or design.
We welcome submissions from early-career researchers, post-graduate students, practitioners, and those presenting exploratory, practice-based, or small-scale studies that contribute valuable insights to the field.
Public sector researchers, analysts, and operational staff working in justice and corrections.
Not-for-profit and third-sector organisations conducting or commissioning research and evaluations.
Private sector providers engaged in delivering correctional programs or services (especially in collaboration with public or academic partners).
Cross-sector collaborations involving practitioners, researchers, and individuals with lived experience—these joint presentations are strongly encouraged and may be prioritised by the Programme Committee.

Sub-Themes

The Conference invites submissions linked to the following four sub-themes:

1. Innovation Driving Safer Correctional Environments

Sub-theme one, innovation driving safer correctional environments, focuses on the research, technologies, and operational strategies that can contribute to safety, wellbeing, and improved conditions within correctional systems. We welcome submissions that explore how to create, and help sustain, humane and responsive environments in both custodial and community settings. This could include work on institutional design, staffing models, wellbeing, trauma-informed approaches, violence prevention, dynamic security, and new uses of data or digital tools to support safety for both staff and people in custody.

2. Rehabilitation: Evidence-Based Interventions and Outcomes

Sub-theme two, rehabilitation: evidence-based interventions and outcomes, invites papers that examine the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs aimed at rehabilitation and behavioural change both in prison and in the community. We are interested in evidence-based or practice-informed approaches that address the many criminogenic and non-criminogenic factors that impact on the likelihood of long-term desistance from crime, including mental health, substance use, education, skill-building, identity, motivation, and therapeutic engagement. Of particular interest are interventions that are grounded in a sound integration with theoretical or conceptual frameworks. Research may focus on specific program models, target populations (notably remand prisoners), or outcomes, and should speak to what supports people in their pathways toward desistance and personal development.

3. Reintegration and Community Connections

Sub-theme three, reintegration and community connections, explores the transition from custody to community and how individuals can be better supported in their reintegration journey. Topics may include housing, employment, education, social support, supervision, community services, and reducing stigma. We welcome papers that consider system-level reforms, community partnerships, and lived experience perspectives, as well as evaluations of initiatives that reduce reoffending and promote long-term wellbeing and inclusion.

4. Culturally Responsive Corrections: First Nations and Indigenous Perspectives

Sub-theme four, culturally responsive corrections: First Nations and Indigenous perspectives, highlights research and practice that centre First Nations and Indigenous experiences, knowledge systems, and leadership in the justice and corrections space, acknowledging the significant overrepresentation of first nations peoples in custody in New Zealand, Australia, and around the globe. We invite submissions that examine culturally safe, community-led, and healing-informed approaches, and collaborative efforts to reduce overrepresentation and improve justice outcomes. We especially welcome work led by, or in partnership with, Indigenous researchers, practitioners, and communities.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions will be selected based on their quality and relevance to the conference theme and sub-themes. The Committee will strive to have only one presentation per person and to maximize the regional spread of speakers’ origin and current organizational affiliation.

Presentations should meet the following criteria:

Abstracts must align with at least one of the conference sub-themes.
Abstracts must include at least three questions for discussions.
Any references to research or outcomes must include sources.
It should be clear from the Abstract that the presentation will be non-commercial/non-product focused.
Submissions must include a speaker bio and speaker photos.

Should you need additional information, please email us: [email protected].

Types of Presentations

IRCC 2026 will offer a variety of presentation formats to support different kinds of contributions and encourage engagement across disciplines:

Plenary presentations, keynote sessions delivered to all attendees (45–60 minutes), typically by leading researchers, senior practitioners, or collaborative panels addressing strategic issues.
Workshops (30–45 minutes), designed to share research findings, innovative practice, or case studies in an engaging and accessible way.
Panel discussions (30–60 minutes), featuring multiple presenters offering different perspectives on a common topic, followed by moderated discussion or audience Q&A.
Posters that allow students and emerging researchers an opportunity to connect with attendees from across the conference.
Showcase sessions that allow presenters to speak in a more informal setting to all participants during conference breaks. This format is especially targeted at NGOs, NFPs, and the discussion of specific projects and programs.

When submitting an abstract, applicants will be asked to indicate their preferred presentation format/s. Please note that final format assignments will be made by the Programme Committee based on content, balance, and overall program structure.

Key Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 September 2025
Notification of Acceptance (Round One): 16 November 2025
Notification of Acceptance (Round Two): 12 December 2025
Conference Dates: 2 – 5 March 2026