Asian Criminological Society

The 16th annual conference of the Asian Criminological Society brought together researchers, academics, professionals and students from around the world. Held from 3–5 December at the Queensland University of Technology’s inner-city Brisbane campus, the event welcomed attendees to Australia’s Sunshine State at the start of the Southern Hemisphere summer.

This year’s conference showcased a wide range of papers on crime and social control, with a central focus on breaking down barriers—particularly those relating to translational and transnational crime. Sessions highlighted the importance of translating research into policy and practice, strengthening communication between basic and applied research. Presentations on transnational criminology examined how criminal activities such as cybercrime, illicit markets and trafficking move across jurisdictions and national borders.

Delivered face-to-face and primarily in English, the conference also featured non-English speaking panels. The program offered plenary sessions, parallel sessions, roundtables, a poster session, a conference dinner, local activities, and visits to criminal justice sites.

The event followed directly after the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology conference, with a welcome drinks function held on the evening of 3 December. Many participants took the opportunity to extend their stay and explore Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. With Brisbane serving as a gateway to the Tropical North and the Great Barrier Reef, the conference provided an excellent springboard for attendees to experience more of Australia.