Honouring legacy and innovation: IPS gathers for a transformative meeting in Porto

The IPS_Innovative Prison Systems team recently gathered in Porto, Portugal, for an engaging and productive three-day in-person meeting. Joined by several distinguished guests and key specialists in corrections and justice, the team reflected on their achievements and discussed strategies for the future, in a collaborative atmosphere.

The meeting held from October 9 to 11, 2024, featured a series of detailed presentations from IPS knowledge portfolios and teams, providing an in-depth look at the various projects the organisation is involved in, upcoming initiatives, and relevant statistics on their impact. These presentations also highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by the team, as well as ideas for the future direction of IPS. By fostering open dialogue, the presentations helped align the team’s goals and strategies, creating a clearer vision for the work ahead.

In addition to the presentations, the meeting included team-building activities that encouraged collaboration in a relaxed setting. These activities, alongside casual conversations and team meals, offered opportunities for bonding and strengthened internal connections. Constructive discussions were also a key focus, resulting in the formation of dedicated work groups tasked with improving inter-team communication and cooperation. These groups will continue to work on actionable strategies designed to enhance internal processes and collaboration moving forward.

IPS welcomed several special guests, including Dr. Frank Porporino, a renowned expert in corrections. Dr. Frank Porporino was presented with an honorary award at the event for his lifetime dedication to advancing evidence-based policies, practices, and the humane treatment of incarcerated individuals.

After gaining deeper insight into the projects that IPS is developing and contributing to, Dr. Frank Porporino expressed that the event had left him optimistic about the next generation of advisory and research professionals committed to improving services for the most vulnerable members of our society.

IPS’s long-standing partnership with DGRSP (Portuguese Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services) was also proudly celebrated, marking over 20 years of collaboration in research and innovation aimed at advancing correctional services and promoting humane treatment for individuals deprived of their liberty.

A token of appreciation was presented to DGRSP’s Deputy Director-General, Dr. João D’Oliveira Cóias, who highlighted the influence of the perspectives that IPS has offered as a partner. The DGRSP’s Research and Planning Centre Director, Dr. Jorge Monteiro, acknowledged how IPS’s partnership has been a cornerstone in the continuous improvement of correctional services in Portugal, stating, “There is a DGRSP before IPS, and another DGRSP after IPS.”

The event also included representatives from academic and technology partners, emphasising the importance of their multi-disciplinary collaboration. Key participants included Prof. Pedro Sousa from the School of Criminology at the University of Porto, Prof. Nuno Garcia from the Sciences Faculty of the University of Lisbon, and Prof. Nuno Pombo, representing the BSAFE Lab of University of Beira Interior.

On the technological front, João Paulo Ribeiro de Oliveira represented iTech-ON, and Dave Lageweg attended on behalf of the Telio Group, further demonstrating the critical role of these partnerships.

This collaborative event left the IPS team motivated and energised, ready to build on the momentum generated during the meeting. to continue the journey with all esteemed partners and colleagues in embracing criminal justice challenges and promote the effectiveness of correctional systems.