Professor Shepherd joins the Institute from Swinburne University on a five-year appointment as Research Professor of Forensic Psychology and Criminology.

With graduate and post-graduate qualifications across criminology, communications and forensic psychology, Prof. Shepherd’s research is genuinely interdisciplinary, exploring the experiences of diverse populations at the intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system. 

ADI Director Alfred Deakin Professor Fethi Mansouri said Prof. Shepherd’s expertise aligns and extends ADI’s research in core themes of social justice and diversity, “Professor Shepherd brings an exciting inter-disciplinary perspective on the intersecting issues of diversity, justice and race relations. He will contribute to our growing research programs around hate speech and extremist ideologies but also in research that deals with cross-cultural aspects of mental health and social incorporation. We are excited to welcome to ADI and look forward to his impactful contributions to ADI in years to come”.

ADI staff and members look forward to continuing our collaboration with Prof. Shepherd in this new role and developing new partnerships and research opportunities. 

About Professor Stephane Shepherd

Professor Stephane Shepherd has developed a globally recognised body of research writing on the cultural, social and mental health needs of young people and adults who are justice-involved and has received international and regional recognition for his research and work in the community.

Prof. Shepherd’s contributions have raised awareness for multi-cultural needs in the justice system and has compelled policy decision makers, researchers and practitioners alike to ensure that their approaches are culturally responsive and non-discriminatory.

He has received over four million in external funding including an ARC DECRA fellowship in 2017.

In 2020, he was named one of the ABC’s top five scientists under 40 and received the 2020 Victorian Government Multi-Cultural Award for Excellence in Justice.

Prof. Shepherd was appointed to the Victorian Youth Parole Board in 2022 and the Victorian Government African Communities Committee. He is currently the Deputy Chair of Afri-Auscare, a not-for-profit organisation providing social assistance to justice-involved African-Australian young people and their families.