Vulnerability and Radicalization
Youth radicalization, gender and sexual violence, and social vulnerability.
What is the IPCVE?
Saint Paul University (SPU) is proud to launch the Institute for Prevention of Conflicts and Violent Extremism (IPCVE), a new centre dedicated to advancing research, training, and interventions in conflict prevention and the fight against violent extremism. Based in Ottawa, the Institute seeks to strengthen social cohesion and public safety, as well as national and international security through knowledge creation and mobilization. The Institute draws on SPU’s existing strengths in conflict studies, trauma counselling, ethics and comparative theology.
The IPCVE equips professionals and communities with the skills needed to prevent radicalization to violent extremism, support early disengagement, and intervene effectively when violence arises.
Training and Outreach
The IPCVE offers graduate and professional training programs leading to certification. Potential participants include professionals from mental health services and related fields, conflict resolution and mediation; as well as members of law enforcement, national and international security engaged in conflict prevention and countering violent extremism.
Organization
Located within SPU’s library and affiliated with the Faculty of Human Sciences and Philosophy, the Institute is co-directed by two leading experts in conflict prevention and risk assessment. The co-directors are supported by graduate students and an advisory board drawn from academic and institutional partners.
Dr. Buuma Maisha
Co-Director
Associate Professor in the School of Counselling, Psychotherapy and Spirituality at Saint Paul University. His research focuses on trauma, sexual and culture-driven violence, and the contextualization of psychotherapy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Elaine Pressman
Co-Director
Dr. Elaine Pressman is a Visiting Professor at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada in the Faculty of Human Sciences and Philosophy and is a Founding Director of the Institute for the Prevention of Conflicts and Violent Extremism. She is also a Distinguished Senior Fellow and Scientific Expert at the Netherlands Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (NIFP) in the Ministry of Justice and Security of The Netherlands.
She has held past international positions as an Associate Fellow of the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) in The Hague, Senior Research Fellow at the Canadian Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. She has served as a Subject Matter Expert and Senior Fellow in risk and threat assessment at the Critical Incidents Response Group (CIRG) and the Behavioural Science Unit (BSU) of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Quantico, Va., served as an Affiliate Professor at the University of Malta in Information Policy and Governance/Security Research, and she has been an invited lecturer at the FBI National Academy in the USA.
Dr. Pressman has been requested to advise countries and provide training to national security professionals on four continents. She has also been an invited expert to the United Nations Office of Drugs, Crime and Terrorism (UNODC), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe (COE), the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF), the Hedayah Centre for Countering Violent Extremism, the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), the US State Department, the Australian Government (Home Affairs), and many other governments, organizations and international agencies. In addition to other international appointments, Dr. Pressman has been honoured by being Knighted in the Order of the Netherlands Lion in recognition of her contribution to international public safety.
Research themes
The projects are structured around four main themes:
Prevention
Resilience-building, alternative narratives, group dynamics, professional training, disengagement, community-based mitigation.
Security and Countering Violent Extremism
Risk detection, data analysis, response strategies, insider threats, local and global outreach.
Ethical Issues
Ethical reflection in the prevention of conflicts and violent extremism.
Career Opportunities
The IPCVE is inviting applications for the following postdoctoral fellowship. Application deadline: July 24, 2026.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Vulnerability, Radicalization and Prevention of Violent Extremism
Position Title: Postdoctoral Fellow
Location: Saint Paul University, Ottawa, ON
Appointment Details
- Regular, 30 hours per week
- Annual stipend: CAD $50,000
- Duration: 1 year with renewal possibility
- Comprehensive social benefits package included
Position Overview
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship focused on advancing knowledge and professional practice in the areas of prevention of conflict and violent extremism; exploring themes of vulnerability to radicalization to violent extremism and ethical issues in countering violent extremism. The fellowship combines cutting-edge research with the development of professional training initiatives designed to strengthen institutional and community capacities in preventing conflicts and violent extremism.
Core Areas of Responsibility
I. Research Program
The successful candidate will conduct original and high-quality research in the following areas:
- Vulnerability and pathways to radicalization leading to violent extremism;
- Prevention of violent extremism;
- Ethical issues in countering violent extremism.
The fellow will be expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at academic and professional conferences, and contribute to collaborative research initiatives.
II. Professional Development Program Development
The fellow will lead the design and development of:
- a modular professional development program addressing:
- Conflict prevention;
- Pathways of radicalization to violent extremism;
- Evidence-based assessment, interventions, policies, and practices in prevention of conflict and violent extremism.
- Capacity building workshops for practitioners, institutions, and community organizations.
The workshop program will support knowledge mobilization and provide practical tools for professionals operating in relevant sectors.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD obtained within the last five years in one of the following disciplines: Conflict Studies; Psychology; Sociology; Counselling; Political Science; and Criminology.
Candidates from closely related interdisciplinary fields with demonstrated expertise in the fellowship themes are encouraged to apply.
Required Competencies
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Expertise in violent extremism, radicalization, conflict prevention, or related areas;
- Demonstrated ability to mentor students, trainees, or junior researchers;
- An established or emerging record of scholarly publications;
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills;
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments.
Language Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills in both French and English.
Application Materials
Applications must include:
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Cover letter outlining the candidate’s interest and qualifications;
- One-page research proposal aligned with the fellowship themes;
- Contact information for three professional references.
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled or until a suitable candidate has been identified. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Anticipated starting date: September 1, 2026
Application deadline: July 24, 2026
We welcome applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences and are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment. Please send your application to humansciences@ustpaul.ca.
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Contact Us
For more information, please contact cve-cev@ustpaul.ca.