/ Research Projects

Addressing gaps in the implementation and management of alternatives to imprisonment and post-release support during the COVID-19 global pandemic

In conjunction with the PRI ALT EUR project, the University of Coimbra Institute for Legal Research, in partnership with Penal Reform International and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, developed a research project that aimed to analyze the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the execution of alternative sentences to prison, in the preparation of prisoners for release and, in general, in the functioning of social reintegration services.

About the project

This project had the financial support of the Fondation Internationale Pénale et Pénitentiaire (FIPP).

Research on the topic was carried out in four countries: Portugal, Hungary, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan.

In addition to research on the issue in Portugal, the UC prepared a summary comparative study on the issue, covering the Member States of the European Union.

The project's ultimate objective was to identify aspects that make it possible to make the system more resilient to future crisis situations and more adaptive to the needs of people in situations of special vulnerability.

The project took place throughout 2021. The final event to present the project results took place in January 2022, in virtual format.

UC Research Team


Prof. Doctor Anabela Miranda Rodrigues | Coordinator

Prof. Doctor Maria João Antunes | Researcher

Prof. Doctor Sónia Fidalgo | Researcher

Doctor Inês Horta Pinto | Researcher

Master Karla Tayumi Ishiy | Collaborating researcher, contracted for the project

Project Results

National reports were prepared for each country involved. In addition, UCILeR carried out a comparative study covering the Member States of the EU

Information about this project is also available on the Penal Reform International website