Welcome to the Department of Forensic Psychology!

In the divison of Forensic Psychology, headed by Prof. Dr. Jelena Zumbach-Basu, we work on the application of psychological theories, methods and empirical findings to legal problems, many times linking developmental and criminological theory with applied forensic psychology. With our research, we aim for example at explaining and preventing aggressive, antisocial and criminal behavior, and at improving methods of forensic-psychological assessment in civil and criminal proceedings. At the Faculty of Psychology at Basel University, we started building this department from November 2024.

Our research currently covers the main areas of risk assessment and prevention of child abuse and neglect, forensic-psychological assessment, children's rights in accordance with the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, and the development of aggressive and antisocial behavioral problems. With our research, we enable the optimization of forensic psychological assessment, for example in the area of child abuse and neglect risk assessment, and contribute to the early detection and prevention of deviant behavior. We look forward to welcoming you as participants and researchers in our studies and courses.