Applied Forensic Psychology

Focus and objectives

The expertise cell Applied Forensic Psychology aims to promote and disseminate knowledge on forensic psychological and criminological issues. The cell bases its operation on three axes: research, training and education, and social services.

In her research, the expertise unit focuses primarily on promoting knowledge about violence and victimisation. The unit specialises in practice-oriented research into the characteristics of various forms of violence such as sexual violence, partner violence and stalking, as well as the underlying mechanisms of violent behaviour. In addition, the cell seeks to develop and optimize state-of-the-art tools for the prediction and prevention of violence.

A second axis concerns training and education. The unit organises various educational activities for students within the Thomas More University of Applied Psychology bachelor’s programme and opens up as an internship placement for students from relevant fields of study (e. g. Psychology, Criminology). The unit has also played an important role in the development of expertise among professionals in the forensic field for a number of years by organizing various seminars, multi-day conferences and/or training sessions on relevant themes. The cell has also been coordinating the biennial postgraduate Forensic Psychodiagnostics & Counseling since 2010.

In addition to research and education, social services are the third important axis. The expertise cell offers tailor-made training courses and lectures. The expertise unit is also available for scientific, methodological and/or practice-oriented support to organisations as emergency services, the police and policy makers. Upon request, the unit provides evidence-based advice on specific cases, the implementation of evidence-based assessment and intervention tools relevant and policy considerations.