Saint Paul University (SPU) is proud to announce the creation of the Institute for Prevention of Conflicts and Violent Extremism (IPCVE), a landmark interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to advancing research, professional training, and evidence-based practices in conflict prevention and addressing violent extremism.
“Around the world, governments and communities are grappling with rising ideological polarization, online radicalization, and increased use of violence in conflict,” explains Dr. Buuma Maisha, Co-Director of IPCVE. “Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to better understand the roots of radicalization and equip professionals and communities with the skills needed to prevent violent extremism, support early disengagement, and intervene effectively when violence arises.”
“IPCVE represents our commitment as a university to contribute meaningfully to public safety and the well-being of our communities by mobilizing academic research to address one of the defining challenges of our time,” shares Louis Patrick Leroux, Rector of Saint Paul University. “I am proud to have helped this important initiative take shape.”
IPCVE is co-directed by Dr. Buuma Maisha, Associate Professor with the School of Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Spirituality and Dr. Elaine Pressman, a world-renowned expert in violent extremism risk assessment. The co-directors will be supported by an advisory board of academic and institutional partners.
The Institute will officially launch in Fall 2026.
Expanding Research, Strengthening Practice
At the core of its mission, the Institute seeks to strengthen social cohesion and public safety through knowledge creation and mobilization.
Headquartered at SPU, the Institute is well positioned to draw on the expertise of the University’s research community, which includes leading experts in conflict studies, trauma counselling, ethics, and comparative theology.
A postdoctoral fellow will also be dedicated to research support for the Institute. This was made possible thanks to a generous donation by Colonel Michel Drapeau and Nicole Drapeau, who donated $60,000 to help fund the position.
The Institute’s research and projects are organized around four main themes: vulnerability and radicalization; prevention; security and countering violent extremism; and ethical issues in prevention of conflicts and extremism.
Among its projects, IPCVE will develop graduate and professional training programs to build capacity for individuals whose work relates to conflict and violent extremism. Target participants will include mental health professionals, conflict resolution and mediation specialists, members of law enforcement, and national and international security services.
For more information about IPCVE and its projects, please visit the website.
Media Contact:
Julie Bourassa
Communications Officer, Saint Paul University
613-236-1393, ext. 2310
jbourassa@ustpaul.ca
