By: Janine Balageo

The UC–College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) Graduate School, in collaboration with the Peace and Justice Innovation Center through the Rights2LIFE Project, successfully conducted the Graduate School Capability Building on “Transformative Justice Research: Empowering Graduate Scholars toward SDG-Aligned Criminal Justice Innovation” held on October 11–12, 2025. The two-day workshop aimed to enhance the research capacity of graduate students and align their academic pursuits with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.

In his opening message, Dr. Robino D. Cawi, Dean and Graduate Program Coordinator of CCJE, emphasized the importance of research in advancing justice, human rights, and sustainable social transformation. He encouraged participants to conduct studies grounded in empathy, ethical integrity, and civic responsibility. The sessions, facilitated by Dr. Nica D. Togana and Dr. Jevilyn P. Madalang, provided participants with practical frameworks for developing transformative, justice-oriented research. Graduate students from both the Master’s and Doctorate programs actively participated by presenting their research ideas, asking insightful questions, and engaging in critical discussions that promoted collaboration and scholarly growth.

The activity reaffirmed the UC–CCJE Graduate School’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation in criminological research. Through its continuing partnership with the Peace and Justice Innovation Center and the Rights2LIFE Project, the College remains dedicated to empowering graduate scholars to produce evidence-based and socially responsive research that contributes to justice, equality, and sustainable development.