Launch of new academic and practitioner network to tackle extremism

This was set up as the Commission for Countering Extremism recognises the importance of drawing on and disseminating existing evidence as well as expanding the evidence base, which will help to further support counter-extremism work. The new network will also help to identify gaps in our understanding of extremism and counter-extremism and seek to support future research.

The Academic-Practitioner Counter Extremism Network (APCEN) is made up of members from:

the Commission for Countering Extremism

national, regional and local government practitioners working in counter-extremism

leading academics

The first meeting focused on the relationship between extremism and conspiracy theories, and included a presentation from Professor Paul Gill on conspiracy beliefs and violent extremist intentions.

The group will meet 6 times a year. Academic membership is independent and non-partisan, providing the opportunity for members to have open, honest and frank discussions about counter-extremism work.

The list of independent academic members and links to their profiles are below. They are not additional commissioners, they are independent academics free to express their own views, based on their experience and expertise. They will not be held responsible for decisions made by the Lead Commissioner or the Commission.

Dr Noemie Bouhana

Professor Matthew Feldman

Professor Paul Gill

Dr Gareth Harris

Dr Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens

Professor Lasse Lindekilde

Dr Lella Nouri

Dr Julia Pearce

Professor Hilary Pilkington

Dr Sandy Schumann

Dr Sadi Shanaah

Professor Paul Thomas

Professor Matthew Williams

Dr Leor Zmigrod

Read the terms of reference for the The Academic-Practitioner Counter Extremism Network