In conversation with 2026 Stockholm Prize winner Charis Kubrin

For over two decades, Charis Kubrin, UC Irvine professor of criminology, law and society, has examined how the presence of immigrants in communities affects public safety. Her findings continually challenge a myth that has persisted throughout history: that immigrants bring crime to their new countries. In November 2025, Kubrin learned that she’s one of two researchers who’ll receive the Stockholm Prize in Criminology for 2026 – a recognition often seen as equivalent to the Nobel Prize in that field. During the official announcement, the competition jury noted that the 2026 award is “shining the spotlight on how criminology is myth-busting on immigration and rehabilitation.” In the latest episode of The UC Irvine Podcast, Kubrin will share her reaction when she learned about the prestigious honor, explain her life’s work and how it’s particularly relevant in today’s global climate, and address the rigors of trying to bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding. “A Caring Friend,” the music for this episode, was provided by Bad Snacks via the audio library in YouTube Studio.