
The Committee bring together researchers working on restorative justice, create an international and intergenerational network, and set together future research agendas and collaborations
The Committee bring together researchers working on restorative justice, create an international and intergenerational network, and set together future research agendas and collaborations
More specifically, the EFRJ Research Committee will:
Chair: Federico Reggio (Italy)
Vice-chair: Katerina Soulou (Greece)
Coordinator: Laura Hein, EFRJ policy officer
Board representative: Katerina Soulou
The Research Committee (RECOM) is organising Restorative Cafés to give space to (young) researcher to talk about their investigations and to promote the dissemination of research outcomes as well as ‘restorative’ research methods.
The RECOM inaugurated the Restorative Cafés’ series on 18 April 2024 with a fascinating talk with Leah Koumentaki.
Leah Koumentaki is Teaching Fellow in Criminology at Keele University (UK), she is a Critical Criminologist interested in customary practices of justice and punishment initiatives, with a particular focus on applying de-colonial and social harm lens to understand traditions of justice in cultural contexts.
The Restorative Talk was dedicated to her doctoral research on ‘Revenge and repairing of harms in mountain Crete’. The aim of her research was to investigate a local reconciliation process named Sasmos. Her study is the first systematic and comprehensive analysis of this customary justice process, highlighting a vernacular version of restorative justice locals use to repair the harms made by wrongdoing and consequently secure social order in their villages. Beyond its significant contribution to restorative justice, the study challenges Eurocentric epistemologies regarding the tradition of justice in Crete, as it offers the first de-colonial approach of Cretan' customary law'.
Click here to watch this first Restorative Talk with Leah Koumentaki:
Restorative Cafés with Leah Koumentaki
As we reach the final chapter of our ReCom journey, we are delighted to present the Restorative Café, on the past, present and future of research in restorative justice, a true highlight of our collaborative experience. This special event is more than a gathering—it’s a celebration of the shared expertise, passion, and dedication of ReCom members in advancing research within the field of restorative justice.
This Restorative Café offered a platform for dynamic and thought-provoking discussions, with participants delving into two central themes. First, they reflected on the present and future of research in restorative justice, sharing forward-thinking insights and innovative ideas. Second, they tackled one of the most pressing questions for our community: What are the biggest current challenges for researchers in restorative justice?
This Café was a moment to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead.
Click here to watch this Restorative Talk with members of the ReCom.
The EFRJ Research Committee has already existed in the past. Especially important contribution had been given to this committee by EFRJ member and researcher Borbála Fellegi, the work of whom we would like to acknowledge as an important part of our heritage. The gap left by the closing of this committee was and is still filled in by the work of researcher Ian Marder who created the virtual network Community of Restorative Researchers. The EFRJ Board and the Secretariat has in the past years felt the need to re-launch the EFRJ Research Committee
Brunilda Pali (EFRJ vice-chair)
Ian D. Marder (UK)
Anna Matczak (Poland)
Giuseppe Maglione (Italy/UK)
Estelle Zinsstag (Belgium)
Helena Soleto Muñoz (Spain)
Contact person for this committee: Laura Hein (laura.hein@euforumrj.org)