About

The Initiative for Law, Societies, and Justice (ILSJ) at The University of Texas at Austin supports place-based research and educational activities on issues broadly related to the criminal justice system in Central Texas. Since its inception in September 2022, the ILSJ has made a significant impact by involving over 500 individuals—faculty, staff, and students—from thirteen colleges, schools, and units at UT. The ILSJ also involves over 11+ community partners and has engaged over 158+ community members to serve as collaborators, advisory board members, and research fellows.  Officially launched in February 2023 at an event featuring the Director of the National Institute of Justice, the Initiative has already secured over $13 million dollars in external grants, has built an undergraduate certificate program, and offers numerous structured opportunities and experiences for students to advance research, develop an educational portfolio, and foster community engagement.

Special thanks to our partners and sponsors in the Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors, the College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Eduation

For all general questions, please email justice@utexas.edu.