The Spring Common Session 2024 –Department of Political Science – Komotini, Greece-21 May- 24 May 2024
Theme: “Violent States, states of violence, denial and beyond”
At the end of May, a group of students and staff attended the Common Study Sessions for Critical Criminology hosted by the University of Thrace in the vibrant city of Komotini in northern Greece. It was truly an enlightening blend of academic rigour and lively cultural exchange – we’ve had a great pleasure meeting students and staff from various partner universities, and reconnecting with the few we’ve gotten to know the previous time in Athens.
The presentations and discussions delved into a wide range of topics under the umbrella of Criminology, showcasing the extensive research currently being undertaken across diverse spheres. From the technological impacts on crime to issues surrounding wildlife-related offences, the breadth of subjects provided rich, insightful dialogues – and still leaving space for a few surprises. Each presentation brought forward unique perspectives, offering both innovative solutions and in-depth analyses of persistent challenges – some were truly thought-provoking, while others contributed in strengthening existing approaches.
A shared sentiment of optimism was evident among the attendees, driven by the diversity of topics and the quality of insights drawn from the studies presented – we’ve had a great time debating ideas, giving suggestions and even planning possible collaborations for the sessions to come. However, this enthusiasm was only so slightly tempered by a reflective note of concern among seasoned researchers and professors: the themes and challenges identified by today’s MA students mirrored those from research conducted over two decades ago, sparking a thoughtful discussion on the slow pace of change within systems and power structures.
Beyond the academic engagements, the conference also provided ample opportunities to enjoy the local culture and scenery. We spent delightful hours in the Mediterranean sun, engaged in vibrant conversations over delicious local cuisine, and sipped on refreshing Freddo Cappuccinos. These moments of relaxation and informal networking added a special flavour to our time in Komotini, making this academic journey both productive and enjoyable.
We’d like to the organisers at the University of Thrace and the participants for making the Common Study Sessions for Critical Criminology a memorable event.
Common Study Programme in Critical Criminology 