Candidates to the ESC board, 2024: Mirza Buljubašić, at-large board member

As a criminologist from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country at the periphery of Europe, I present my candidacy for the at-large board member of the European Society of Criminology (ESC). I am deeply committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I believe that the voices from marginal and non-EU countries must be heard and integrated into our collective dialogue. My mission is to weave these values into the fabric of our criminological community, nurturing an environment where creativity thrives, collaboration knows no bounds, and European criminology shines as a beacon of insight and progress.

My academic journey began at the University of Sarajevo, where I earned my degrees, culminating in a Ph.D. in Criminology. The University of Sarajevo recognized my dedication early on with four prestigious awards. Between 2015 and 2016, I conducted a thorough investigation of atrocity camps and detention facilities, interviewing numerous victims to uncover their harrowing experiences. This period also marked my involvement in the project "Vertical (in)consistency of international sentencing: Case Study of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Rwanda" (the Centre for International Criminal Justice, Vrije Universitet Amsterdam). Over the years, my evidence-based research on atrocity crimes, terrorism, and extremism in Southeastern Europe has fueled the efforts of think tanks, guided civil society organizations, and informed policymakers.

Since 2023, I have been affiliated with the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement on the project "Transitional Punishment: Moderating Legacies of Mass Atrocities? A Case Study of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Czechia". This experience has provided the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed colleagues, enhancing my expertise in criminology and deepening my understanding of the complex legacies of mass atrocities.

As an early-career scholar, I have been active in producing various publications. Among my notable works are contributions to the Oxford Handbook of Criminology (2024), a book on terrorism criminal justice responses in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Atlantic Initiative, 2023), a book chapter on Atrocity Crime Perpetrators  (Oxford University Press, 2019), and scientific articles such as "Sanctioning Perpetrators of International Crimes: A Vignette Study[MOU6] " and "Rehabilitation Programmes for Convicted War Criminals in Domestic Prisons in Bosnia and Herzegovina".  Recently, my research and advocacy have zeroed in on intergenerational criminology, delving into the ripple effects of atrocity crimes across generations. The enduring legacies of conflict and trauma carve deep into familial and communal structures, underscoring the urgent need for effective, evidence-based policies in post-conflict societies to cultivate lasting peace and justice.

Complementing my research, my collaborations across Europe have offered invaluable insights and profoundly enriched my perspectives. Being part of the Radicalisation Awareness Network  and Global Atrocity Justice Constellations  has broadened my understanding of global criminological issues. Working with scholars in the Empirical Research on Sentencing (ERoS) and ESC Working Groups continues to inspire me and drive my unwavering dedication to the field.

The upcoming ESC Conference, "Criminology goes East," in Bucharest, Romania, holds special significance for me. Deeply connected to the Southeastern region, I am committed to amplifying Eastern European perspectives within our collective dialogue. This conference offers an exciting opportunity to highlight the unique challenges and contributions of this region, showcasing its rich, diverse, and often underrepresented viewpoints. Through this event and my role on the Board, I aim to enrich our collective knowledge and foster greater inclusivity within our Society.

I am committed to fostering a community grounded in equity and unity, one that values diverse perspectives from across Europe. By championing initiatives that enhance our field's open, educational, and collaborative landscape—including rotating ESC conferences across different regions to ensure scholars from Europe's peripheries can fully participate—I aim to be the voice for early-career scholars and regions with limited resources. My mission is to ensure that every voice is heard and that our community remains vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

To advance our European understanding, scholarship, and practice of criminology, I will promote networking and cooperation across European spaces, working groups, and individuals. Serving the ESC with integrity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit is my pledge.

Our shared journey within the European Society of Criminology thrives on the strength of diverse perspectives and inclusive dialogue. I am committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and valued, and I will champion initiatives that elevate underrepresented regions and perspectives. With your support, I will work to enhance collaboration, innovation, and equity within our Society.

Thank you for your trust and belief in this vision.