Peaceful and inclusive societies depend on justice systems and public institutions that are fair, accessible, trusted and equipped to respond to changing threats.
At ARU, researchers work alongside police forces, government, criminal justice agencies, charities and communities to tackle challenges ranging from violence and exploitation to extremism, digital harms and barriers to justice. Much of this work is brought together through ARU's International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI) and Centre for Access to Justice and Inclusion (CAJI), translating research into evidence that can improve policy, professional practice and access to justice.
Preventing online child sexual abuse and exploitation
Our International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI) is developing research that strengthens society's response to online child sexual abuse and exploitation. In 2025, its portfolio included the ECHO project, funded by Safe Online and the Graham Dacre Foundation, which is designing and piloting an approach to enable survivors to obtain support and representation in relation to their child sexual abuse material. ARU researchers have also worked with the Internet Watch Foundation on its Think Before You Share campaign, providing research to inform campaign messaging and subsequently evaluating its impact, with support from the Oak Foundation. This work connects survivor experience, academic evidence and specialist organisations to improve prevention, protection and access to support.
Responding to new forms of extremism and radicalisation
Researchers at ARU are examining how recruitment, misinformation and radicalisation operate across emerging digital spaces. In 2024, the Dawes Trust-funded Global Public Protection Data Programme expanded ARU's work into areas including extremism on gaming platforms, the influence of youth and gender on radicalisation, and the role of misinformation within extremist networks. Researchers work with government departments, counter-terrorism policing, Prevent practitioners, universities, NGOs and charities to develop evidence, training and tools that can help practitioners recognise and respond to emerging risks.
Strengthening public protection through evidence
ARU researchers work directly with criminal justice organisations to strengthen the evidence underpinning public protection. IPPPRI's research encompasses sexual offending, domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, knife crime and the management of people convicted of offences. Its work includes a pioneering national review of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and research developing methodologies, tools and technologies to support the investigation and prevention of sexual harm.
Improving access to justice
The Centre for Access to Justice and Inclusion (CAJI) at ARU examines how justice systems can become more accessible, inclusive and responsive. Its research spans digital justice, crime and criminal justice, environmental justice, dispute resolution, human rights and the experiences of marginalised communities. Crucially, the Centre aims to work with communities and external partners to co-produce research with real-world relevance and to influence policy and decision-making through evidence. In 2024, its New Frontiers of Access to Justice conference brought academics together with practitioners, third-sector organisations, policymakers and advocates to address challenges ranging from the digital divide and migration to environmental justice.
Protecting human rights in the digital age
Digital technologies are creating new opportunities but also new challenges for justice and human rights. CAJI researchers examine questions including digital justice, AI, technology and human rights, as part of a wider programme concerned with protecting vulnerable communities and improving access to justice. Its recent public work has addressed human rights in AI and digital environments, as well as the ways Latin American countries are responding to potential technological and social-media threats to democratic institutions. This research puts ARU at the intersection of technological innovation, human rights and the future of accountable institutions.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.