Research Institutes and Centres

Centre for Forensic Research

The Centre for Forensic Research was created officially in 2007 to promote the delivery of forensic science expertise to the community and to scholars internationally.

The core researchers (Gail Anderson (Criminology), Lynne Bell (Criminology), Rolf Mathewes (Biosciences), Hugo Cardoso (Archaeology), Mike Richards (Archaeology) and Dongya Yang (Archaeology) have worked for many years on the challenges of identifying human remains and determining how and when individuals died and crimes were committed.

The forensic sciences provide key tools for solving crimes, whether local, national or international. British Columbia has always enjoyed an excellent reputation for collaboration between academic forensic disciplines and the law enforcement agencies. The information that forensic scientists provide, helps law enforcement agencies to focus their investigations, identify victims and suspects, eliminate non-suspects and help secure convictions. The eventual solving of crime is the result of a combination of forensic science and police investigation and involves interdisciplinary collaboration at all levels. The CFR is primarily a research facility, taking individual and collaborative projects in a variety of forensic sciences, particularly biological anthropology, archaeology, entomology, isotopy, taphonomy, botany, imaging and molecular biology which are not included in a police lab. Although we will continue to provide forensic case analyses as required for the police, we will also conduct broad spectrum case-driven research.

Potential graduate students are encouraged to apply to archaeology, criminology or biosciences and to specific faculty members.

Forensic Entomology Laboratory

Director: Dr. G. Anderson         Lab Manager: V. Lam
Phone: 778-782-3589                  Phone: 778-883-9688
Email: ganderso@sfu.ca           Email: vienna_lam@sfu.ca

The Forensic Entomology Lab was established in 1999 with initial support from the British Columbia Proceeds of Crime and Simon Fraser University. This high-security, state-of-the-art facility provides a context for excellent and innovative research, support collaborative partnerships in Entomology and Forensics here and abroad. This lab provides a venue for training at a variety of levels including graduate students, volunteers, undergraduate students, and criminology professionals.

CENTRE FOR RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

Director: Dr. B. Morrison
Phone: 778-782-7627
Email: brendam@sfu.ca

The Centre for Restorative Justice is an initiative by the Simon Fraser University School of Criminology, under the leadership of Dr. Brenda Morrison. In partnership with individuals, the community, justice agencies and the University, the Centre exists to support and promote the principles and practices of restorative justice. The Centre provides education, innovative program models, training, evaluation and research through a resource centre and meeting place that facilitates outreach, promotion, dialogue and advocacy.  It is housed in the School of Criminology, Arts and Social Sciences Complex, Rm. 10216. 

Click here for more information.

FREDA Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children

Director: Dr. Margaret A. Jackson
Phone: 778-782-4040
Email: margarej@sfu.ca

The FREDA Centre is one of five violence research centres established in 1992 across Canada with federal funding. The objectives of the FREDA Centre are to foster and support collaboration among community workers, practitioners, policy makers and academics who are involved in issues concerning violence against women and children; to promote the development of action-oriented reserch in the area of violence against women and children; to facilitate the transmission of research skills and knowledge about violence related issues to students and community workers; and to increase public awareness about violence against women and children. Funding is project-specific and is obtained through various granting agencies and government contracts.

International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy

The International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy was established in 1991 in Vancouver, B.C. It is a joint initiative of Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia and the Society for the Reform of Criminal Law, and is housed at the University of British Columbia. The International Centre's association with Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia allows it to marshal effective interdisciplinary teams for work in criminal law and criminal justice policy research and education. The Centre is involved in the furthering of graduate courses and research in the areas of criminal law and justice policy with an international/comparative focus The International Centre's primary role is to provide advice and assistance on matters related to the reform of criminal law and criminal justice policy. The Centre also launches an increasing number of national and international education and training initiatives. These include the design and delivery of training in human rights and justice administration as well as the organization of international exchange programs and workshops.

International CyberCrime Research Centre

Director: Dr. Richard Frank
Phone: 778-782-4158
Email: iccrc@sfu.ca

The International CyberCrime Research Centre opened at the Surrey Campus of Simon Fraser University in the Summer of 2008 with significant core funding provided by the Government of British Columbia. Our active research programs are concentrated in the areas of child pornography, criminal networks analysis, and an analysis of on-line sexual predators. Forthcoming projects will be examining the nature and impact of cybercrime in a large metropolitan area, cyber-bullying, and on-line gambling. In each case, our research is being conducted in partnership with law enforcement and other government agencies granting Centre researchers unique access to key data sources.