Herts Professor’s groundbreaking project shortlisted for prestigious criminal justice research award

Laura Abbott, Professor of Maternal Health and Criminal Justice at Herts, is a finalist for the Research Excellence Award at this year’s Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) Awards, thanks to her groundbreaking work on The Lost Mothers Project.

The University of Hertfordshire’s Lost Mothers research team, led by Professor Laura Abbott and in partnership with Birth Companions and a lived experience team, has been shortlisted for a major national award recognising outstanding research in the criminal justice field.

The project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), explores the experiences of incarcerated mothers separated from their babies. Through interviews with women in prison and professionals working in Mother and Baby Units (MBUs), Professor Abbott’s research has exposed the emotional trauma and systemic barriers these mothers face. The findings have already influenced policy discussions and professional training across the UK.

The project also inspired the powerful theatrical production Scenes from Lost Mothers, developed in collaboration with Clean Break theatre company, playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, and the charity Birth Companions. The play brings real stories to life, amplifying the voices of women affected by the criminal justice system and sparking public dialogue on maternal separation and justice reform.

Professor Abbott said:

“This recognition reflects the strength and partnership of the women whose experiences underpin this work. Together, through co-produced research and creative collaboration, we are amplifying their voices and helping to shape new understandings of motherhood and justice.”

The CJA Awards, now in their eighth year, celebrate individuals and organisations working to create a fairer and more effective criminal justice system. The Research Excellence Award honours academic work that drives change and elevates the voices of those most impacted by justice policies.

Winners will be announced at the CJA Awards ceremony in London on Thursday, 27 November, at Rich Mix. The event will bring together leading voices in justice reform to celebrate innovation, impact, and advocacy.

For more information about Professor Abbott’s work, visit the University of Hertfordshire website or the Lost Mothers Project. Learn more about the CJA Awards.