Professor Catherine Hamilton-Giachritsis from the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath has received a Lifetime Contribution Award from the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) – part of the British Psychological Society (BPS). The award recognises her impact on the profession over more than three decades.

DFP awards honour individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence and made a significant contribution to forensic psychology throughout their careers. They celebrate outstanding achievement across the field, with particular emphasis on quality, impact, equality, diversity and inclusion, cultural awareness, and contributions to forensic psychology and the communities it serves.

Professor Hamilton-Giachritsis was recognised for her wide-ranging contributions to the discipline, including expanding access to forensic psychology training, conducting influential research and leading training programmes, and teaching and mentoring generations of students, many of whom now hold senior roles in academia and forensic psychology services.

In particular, her research on the impact of technology-assisted child sexual abuse on victim-survivors, the policing of online child sexual offending, and the experiences of babies and young children in institutional care across Europe has had a significant influence on policy and practice, improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

After qualifying in forensic psychology, Professor Hamilton-Giachritsis became one of the first in her field to focus primarily on victims rather than offenders. Unusually, her research covers both victim and offender populations, whereas many of her peers specialise in one or the other.

Professor Hamilton-Giachritsis said: “Winning a DFP lifetime achievement award is a real honour and privilege. It may sound like a cliché, but having my work and achievements recognised by my peers really is very meaningful. ”

She added: “The route to becoming a forensic psychologist is very challenging, particularly in this current financial climate, as it is largely unfunded. A focus of my career has been to widen opportunities for entry into the profession and I hope that as a result of this award I can bring more attention to that. Finding a way to get funded places for the next generation is my goal for the last part of my career – maybe not another 30 years, but I hope the next 10 to 15.”

Professor Mark Brosnan, head of Psychology at Bath, said: “One of Catherine’s notable strengths is her leadership in developing evidence-based frameworks that support professionals working with children, families, and high-risk individuals.

“Her work is recognised for bridging the gap between theory and applied practice, particularly in areas such as child protection, trauma-informed assessment, and (most recently) policy and practice for online abuse. Catherine consistently champions approaches that promote ethical practice, practitioner wellbeing, and multi-agency cooperation.

“Her teaching and mentorship reflect the same clarity, compassion, and intellectual depth that define her research. Students frequently highlight her ability to make complex forensic concepts accessible while grounding them in real-world relevance. “Catherine’s professionalism, integrity, and passion for improving forensic and safeguarding practices make her a tremendous asset to the university community and to the wider field. Catherine is a colleague whose contributions are both impactful and deeply valued.”

Anthony Beech, emeritus professor of Criminological Psychology at the University of Birmingham said: “Professor Catherine Hamilton-Giachritsis has made an exceptional and sustained contribution to forensic psychology in the UK and internationally. Her pioneering research and practice in child maltreatment, safeguarding, and the interface between psychology, social care, and the justice system have significantly influenced policy, professional practice, and public protection.

“Through many years of leadership, scholarship and mentorship, she has exemplified the highest standards of ethical, evidence-based forensic psychology. Her work has clearly had a lasting impact on the profession and on the lives of vulnerable children and families, making her a highly deserving recipient of the Division of Forensic Psychology’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The University of Bath will be launching a new Doctorate in Forensic Psychology in Sept 2027.