Deborah Jump

Dr Deborah Jump is a Reader in Criminology at Manchester Metropolitan University, serving as Co-Director of the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies (MCYS). She holds a PhD in Criminology from the University of Manchester and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her research focuses on trauma, youth justice, forensic psychoanalysis, and the role of boxing in desistance from violence. She has authored over 30 publications and secured £1.5M+ in research funding, including grants from Comic Relief, UKRI, and the Youth Endowment Fund. Key awards include the Winston Churchill Fellowship and the MMU Research Accelerator Grant.

Education:

• PhD in Criminology, University of Manchester
• Masters in Criminology, University of Manchester
• Bachelors in Sociology, Manchester Metropolitan University

Research Interests: Dr Jump explores trauma’s impact on criminal behavior, boxing’s role in youth desistance, and innovative interventions in youth justice systems. Her work integrates ethnographic methods and narrative analysis, emphasizing policy-relevant outcomes. Recent projects include evaluating boxing programs for knife crime reduction and analyzing the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on serious youth violence.

Grants & Projects:

• £450,000 (2017): Comic Relief – ‘Getting out for Good’ project addressing youth sexual exploitation
• £363,131 (2020): UKRI – Youth Justice System’s Response to the Pandemic
• £100,000 (2021): Youth Endowment Fund – Feasibility Evaluation of Boxing Programs

Awards:

• 2021 – Shortlisted finalist for Man Met Researcher of the Year
• 2016 – MMU Research Accelerator Grant
• 2006 – Winston Churchill Fellowship Award

Media Engagement: Dr Jump has appeared on BBC News, BBC Radio 4 (‘Thinking Allowed’), and provided expert commentary to The Telegraph and Good Morning Britain. Her work on boxing and desistance was featured in major media campaigns.

Labs/Teams: She leads research initiatives at the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies, collaborating with organizations like England Boxing and Greater Manchester Youth Justice Services.