Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science
Leadership and innovation through research and education excellence to shape safe, effective and humane justice systems and forensic mental health services.
About us
The Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science provides academic and clinical excellence in forensic mental health research and practice. We bring together academics, clinicians, researchers and students from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work, law, occupational therapy and epidemiology.
Our research, consulting services and professional development and training programs have strengthened the field of forensic behavioural science in Australia and overseas.
Our mission is to create new knowledge through rigorous, clinically informed and service-oriented research that improves our understanding of people who are at risk of offending, people who are already justice involved, and people who are the victims of crime, as well as the systems responsible for their care and management.
We harness additional expertise through our affiliations and collaborations. In particular, we have a strong partnership with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), serving as Forensicare’s research and training arm.
We also have a long record of collaborating with other general and forensic mental health and correctional services, as well as international experts.
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Our research
We engage in a broad range of clinical, epidemiological and experimental research within seven key research streams.
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Our study options
We offer postgraduate research and clinical qualifications, online graduate degrees and single unit enrolments.
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Our professional development and training
Our programs are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working in health, social and criminal justice services, including courts, policing, correctional justice and forensic mental health.
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Our consulting services
We provide consultation, evaluation and primary research services across correctional and health settings.
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Our publications and products
Read our publications and reports or explore our products for forensic mental health professionals, including manuals available for purchase.
Prato 2025 Conference
Safer communities: Creating better outcomes for justice involved people
Hosted by Swinburne University of Technology and Monash University, this conference seeks to bring together practitioners, legal decision makers, advocates, researchers and policy contributors to explore ways of responding to criminal behaviour and the people who commit criminal acts – creating lasting positive impacts for people of all ages.
The conference will be held in Prato, which is the second largest city within Italy's region of Tuscany.
Our objectives and strategies
Strategic Plan 2023–2028
What is forensic behavioural science?
Forensic behavioural science concerns the study of the relationship between human behaviour and offending, including:
- understanding how criminal behaviour is produced and what might be done to prevent such behaviour
- informing practice in the field of forensic mental health
- assisting professionals responsible for the assessment and treatment of the mentally disordered whose behaviour has led, or could lead, to offending
- influencing the way that law enforcement, courts and criminal justice systems identify and manage offenders.
Get updates directly from us
To receive regular updates from the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, please sign up to our mailing list.
Our events
- Research Impact
- Engagement
- Health
- Nursing
Dare to Dream | 2026 Forensic Mental Health Nursing Conference
Innovation in FMHN practice, improving nursing practice and consumer outcomes.
- Research Impact
- Partnerships
- Health
- Psychology
Safer Futures Launch and Inaugural Oration
Celebrate the launch of the Safer Futures Fund, an initiative by the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science.
- Research Impact
- Psychology
Forensic Mental Health Professional Development Program | 2025 Conference Day
We are excited to announce the launch of the Forensic Mental Health Professional Development Program Conference Day, to be held on Friday 4th July 2025, at our Hawthorn campus.
- Research Impact
- Engagement
Prato 2025 – Safer Communities: Creating better outcomes for justice involved people
This Prato 2025 ‘Safer Communities’ conference is designed to bring together practitioners, legal decision makers, advocates, researchers and policy contributors to explore new and different ways of responding to criminal behaviour and the people who commit criminal acts, creating lasting positive impacts for people of all ages.
-
Research
- Research Impact
- Engagement
- Health
- Nursing
Dare to Dream | 2026 Forensic Mental Health Nursing Conference
Innovation in FMHN practice, improving nursing practice and consumer outcomes.
-
- Research Impact
- Partnerships
- Health
- Psychology
Safer Futures Launch and Inaugural Oration
Celebrate the launch of the Safer Futures Fund, an initiative by the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science.
-
Research
- Research Impact
- Psychology
Forensic Mental Health Professional Development Program | 2025 Conference Day
We are excited to announce the launch of the Forensic Mental Health Professional Development Program Conference Day, to be held on Friday 4th July 2025, at our Hawthorn campus.
-
Research
- Research Impact
- Engagement
Prato 2025 – Safer Communities: Creating better outcomes for justice involved people
This Prato 2025 ‘Safer Communities’ conference is designed to bring together practitioners, legal decision makers, advocates, researchers and policy contributors to explore new and different ways of responding to criminal behaviour and the people who commit criminal acts, creating lasting positive impacts for people of all ages.
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Contact the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science
There are many ways to engage with us. Whether you’re a student, from the media or an organisation interested in our professional development and training programs or consulting services, contact us on +61 3 9214 3887 or via cfbs@swinburne.edu.au.