Research and knowledge development
Research that strengthens practice and public protection
Forensic Sexology supports ethically responsible research that connects clinical knowledge, legal understanding, prevention, treatment and the realities of professional practice.
Our research approach
A practice-grounded research agenda
The platform provides a home for research questions arising from clinical work, legal settings, safeguarding, justice and public protection. It aims to make complex evidence useful without overstating certainty or simplifying contested areas.
Research priorities are shaped by professional relevance, ethical importance and the potential to reduce harm. They are not presented as funded or active studies unless this is stated explicitly.
What we will publish
Different forms of useful knowledge
Original papers
Developing theory, conceptual analysis and empirical work relevant to forensic sexology and related professional practice.
Evidence reviews
Critical summaries that explain findings, limitations, disagreement and the extent to which evidence transfers across settings.
Practice and service evaluation
Transparent evaluation of interventions, professional education and service models, including outcomes and unintended effects.
Knowledge translation
Responsible translation of research for clinicians, legal professionals, services, policymakers and the public.
Research priorities
Areas for papers, resources and collaboration
These priorities define the platform’s direction while allowing new questions to emerge from evidence, practice and public need.
Research standards
Evidence, interpretation and uncertainty
Research material will distinguish evidence from interpretation and professional opinion. Methods, samples, measures, limitations, cultural transferability and real-world relevance will be described proportionately.
Funding, conflicts of interest, institutional affiliation and ethical approval will be stated where applicable.
Ethics and involvement
Safe and properly governed participation
Involvement by survivors, affected families, people with lived experience or people who have caused harm must be voluntary, safely designed, properly consented and ethically governed.
Participation must never replace safeguarding, treatment, legal advice or specialist support.
From question to publication
A transparent development pathway
Clarify the question, intended contribution, audience and boundaries.
Identify ethical, safeguarding, data-protection and conflicts-of-interest requirements.
Use proportionate editorial or specialist review and respond transparently to limitations.
Present findings responsibly for the audiences who may use them.
Publication integrity
Clear standards for every contribution
Authorship, sources, correction processes, conflicts, sensitive subject matter and the distinction between education and individual advice are governed by the platform’s editorial standards.
Develop research with us
We welcome carefully scoped proposals from researchers, clinicians, legal academics, services and others with relevant expertise. Early enquiries should briefly describe the question, proposed approach, intended audience and any ethical or governance considerations.
Discuss a proposal Explore resources Research development through SPARC at IoPP
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