NIJ FY24 Domestic Radicalization and Violent Extremism Research Center of Excellence

The Domestic Violent Extremism and Radicalization Research and Training (DVERT) Center of Excellence (COE) will be defined by its commitment to practitioner involvement, data-driven research, multi-disciplinary relationships, and diversity and inclusion. First, and beginning immediately, DVERT will integrate practitioners into every aspect of the center’s work, including: project conception, design, and execution; the translation and dissemination of data and research findings; and the development of practitioner training programs. Second, DVERT’s research projects, dissemination strategy, and training programs will be fueled by the most comprehensive and accurate data available on domestic radicalization, violent extremism, and targeted violence. These data represent some of NIJ’s most significant investments in advancing the rigor of research on radicalization, and they will be the foundation upon which future scientific advancements are made. Third, DVERT will produce and disseminate a wide variety of materials in language that is accessible, in formats that work for a wide range of learning styles, and at lengths that are reasonable for a population that is already overextended. This content will be designed to train new and experienced justice and violence prevention practitioners on the fast-changing nature of the problem, recent developments in research and practice, and emerging concerns. Fourth, DVERT will strengthen relationships between practitioners, policymakers, funders, scholars, and SMEs—nurturing true researcher/practitioner partnerships—through its Advisory Board, which will have representation from all relevant sectors confronting the challenges of radicalization and violent extremism. Finally, DVERT will develop and mentor—with a commitment to increasing diversity in both the population of those doing research, and the voices and perspectives represented in that research—the next generation of scholars through its Rising Scholars program.