MetroPolis supports a Summer Programme on Crime and Justice Reform.

This May, MetroPolis is supporting a compelling collection of events exploring the intersections of crime and reforming justice. With a mix of film, debate, and expert panels, the programme promises to spark critical discussions and connect diverse voices across academia, policy, and lived experience.

Crime and Justice on Screen: International Film Festival Returns

Now in its seventh year, the Manchester International Crime and Justice Film Festival will run from 7 May to 27 June 2025. Organised by the University’s Policy Evaluation and Research Unit, the festival features a carefully curated selection of crime-themed films from around the world.

Screenings will take place at Manchester Met’s Grosvenor East Building—its hub for arts and creative practice. Each screening is free to attend and will be accompanied by expert introductions and post-film Q&A sessions, designed to deepen audience engagement with issues of justice, representation, and reform.

Highlights range from a 1977 BBC drama to a bold, contemporary piece first screened at the Venice Biennale—showcasing the diversity of how justice is portrayed and perceived across cultures.

Find out more and book tickets at www.crimeandjustice.uk

Research Symposium Explores a Safer Criminal Justice System

On Thursday 8 May, Manchester Met will also host the Criminal Justice Research Symposium, a one-day event that brings together academics, practitioners, and people with lived experience to explore pathways to a fairer and more effective justice system.

Workshops will cover key topics such as sentencing reform, women’s justice, artificial intelligence in criminal justice, safeguarding, and alternatives to traditional punitive measures. A lunchtime screening from the film festival will offer an artistic counterpoint to the day’s policy-focused discussions.

The symposium will conclude with a panel featuring leading voices in the field, including:

• Dr Jamie Bennett – Former prison governor and Chief Operating Officer of the Youth Justice Board, now Group Director at HMPPS
• Allison Connelly – Principal/Senior Manager, Police Crime Justice Directorate, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• Chris Edwards – Regional Director of Probation, Greater Manchester

Find out more and register here to attend: Criminal Justice Symposium | Criminal Justice Alliance

Panel Discussion Shines Light on Juror Wellbeing

Also on 8 May, MetroPolis will host “Who’s Taking Care of Our Jurors?”, a hybrid event held during UK Juror Appreciation Week. The panel, running from 4:30–6:30pm at the University’s Business School and available online via Microsoft Teams, will explore how jurors are affected by their experiences in court—and what can be done to support them better.

Panellists include Canadian juror rights advocate Mark Farrant, UK wellbeing expert Kate Nowlan, and academic researcher Dr Hannah Fawcett. The discussion will raise awareness of juror wellbeing as a public policy issue, highlighting the emotional and psychological impact of jury service.

Find out more and register here:Eventbrite – Who’s Taking Care of Our Jurors?

Bridging Research and Real-World Impact

These events exemplify MetroPolis’ mission to connect academic research with policymaking by supporting engaging initiatives that foster collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

We encourage you to explore the links and register for any events that interest you.