The RDCJN's Summer Research Institute (SRI) is designed to promote successful research projects and careers among faculty from underrepresented groups working in areas of crime and criminal justice.

During the institute, each participant will complete an ongoing project (either a research paper or grant proposal) in preparation for journal submission or agency funding review. In addition, participants will gain information that will serve as a tool-kit tailored to successful navigation of the academic setting.

To enhance the success and reduce the isolation of underrepresented scholars, SRI Fellows:

• work on developing a research paper or proposal to bring it to submission readiness;
• participate in a series of professional development workshops that serve as a toolkit of information for managing the academic environment;
• build networks with one another and with senior scholars who serve as reviewers of papers/proposals or mentors facilitating individuals’ progress during the institute;
• present and gain feedback on the paper/proposal during the RDCJN workshop; and
• become integrated into the larger network of the RDCJN upon completion of the SRI.

The institute culminates in a research symposium where participants present their completed research before a scholarly audience.

Many SRI Fellows have now reached the stage of tenure eligibility, and nearly all of these Fellows have been successful in attaining tenure. In addition, several have now been promoted to full professor and even taken leadership positions in university administration.

Collectively, SRI Fellows have advanced to publish hundreds of articles and chapters, the majority of which are refereed journal articles, and more than a dozen books.

See here for selected publications by recent SRI cohorts.

SRI Fellows have also received external grants from national and regional funding agencies in support of their research.