Annual Report
2025/26

Advancing evidence-based policing through world-class research, collaboration, and meaningful impact across Scotland and beyond.

Director's Welcome

A Year of Research, Partnership & Impact

It is a real pleasure to introduce this year’s SIPR Annual Report – my first as Director.

Over the past year, SIPR has continued to go from strength to strength, bringing together researchers, practitioners and policymakers to advance evidence-informed policing in Scotland and beyond. What has stood out most is not simply the scale of our activity, but the quality of collaboration and the shared commitment to making a meaningful difference.

From our Scottish International Policing Conference and International Summer School to the continued development of our research networks and partnerships, this year has demonstrated the important role SIPR plays in connecting research, policy and practice.

As we look ahead to SIPR’s 20th anniversary, we have an opportunity to reflect on two decades of impact, innovation and partnership, while continuing to build on these foundations for the future.

I hope you enjoy exploring our Annual Report and the breadth of work delivered by the SIPR community over the past year.

"This has been a landmark year for policing research in Scotland - one that demonstrates just how much we can achieve when research and practice work hand in hand."

Professor Andrew Wooff

Director, Scottish Institute for Policing Research

Key Statistics 2025/26

£128k

Research Funding

Research Projects

300+

Event Participants

20+

Events Delivered

Publications & Reports

Our Network

Partners & Collaborators

Police Scotland / Scottish Police Authority / Aberdeen University / Abertay University / University of Edinburgh / Glasgow Caledonian University / Edinburgh Napier University / Queen Margaret University / Robert Gordon University / University of St Andrews / University of Stirling / Univeristy of Strathclyde / University of Glasgow / University of West Scotland

Director's Statement

"SIPR continues to be at the forefront of evidence-based policing research, creating meaningful partnerships that transform policy and practice across Scotland and internationally."

Professor Andrew Wooff

Director, SIPR

SIPR · Annual Report 2025/26

EventScottish International Policing Conference

26 June 2026, University of Stirling

The 13th Scottish International Policing Conference (SIPC2026) took place on 26 June 2026 at the University of Stirling, bringing together policing professionals, researchers, policymakers and partners from the UK and internationally.

Focusing on the theme of 'Police Academic Partnerships', the conference explored how collaboration between policing and academia can strengthen evidence-informed practice, support innovation and deliver meaningful impact across policing and public safety. The programme provided opportunities to share research and practice, discuss key challenges and strengthen connections across policy, practice and academia.

A highlight of SIPC2026 was its two keynote lectures: the 54th James Smart Memorial Lecture, delivered by Gary Ritchie KPM, former Assistant Chief Constable with Police Scotland, Gary led on Partnerships, Prevention and Community Wellbeing, developing public-health-led approaches through collaboration with public services. Following 34 years in policing, he is now a Managing Partner with Global Consortium Group and Chair of SIPR’s International Board.

The 4th Nick Fyfe Lecture, delivered by Professor Cynthia Lum, Distinguished University Professor of Criminology, Law and Society and Director of the Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy at George Mason University.

SIPC2026 Reflections6 videos