Matthew Ball

Matthew Ball is a Professor in the School of Justice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he has been since 2008. His research focuses on queer criminology, examining intersections of sexuality, gender, and criminal justice systems. He has established an international profile through foundational texts like Criminology and Queer Theory: Dangerous Bedfellows? and co-edited four special journal issues on queer criminology. Ball is a 2021 recipient of the Western Society of Criminology’s Richard Tewksbury Award for contributions to scholarship on crime and sexuality.

Ball holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Bachelor degrees in Justice from QUT. His work spans critical criminology, queer theory, and governmentality studies. He has led major projects, including the ‘Queer(y)ing Justice in the Global South’ conference and the QUT Queer Research Group. He currently chairs the School of Justice’s Confirmations and Final Seminars Committee and has served in roles like Academic Lead Research and Higher Degrees Research Coordinator.

Ball’s teaching includes units like JSB171 (Justice and Society) and JSB184 (Sex and Crime). He advises on LGBTQIA+ equity initiatives at QUT and mentors through the Pinnacle Foundation. His research addresses LGBTQIA+ experiences in policing, domestic violence, digital spaces, and pandemic impacts, with a focus on intersectionality and critical theory.

Ball’s editorial roles include Current Issues in Criminal Justice, Critical Criminology, and Sociology Compass. He actively contributes to global queer criminology networks, advocating for decolonial and intersectional approaches. His work bridges academic rigor with activism, shaping policy and public understanding of queer justice issues.