Julian Junk

Prof. Dr. Julian Junk is Professor for Extremism Research and Resilience to Extremism at the Hesse State University of Applied Sciences for Public Management and Security (HöMS), where he also heads the Research Center for Resilience to Extremism. He concurrently serves as Head of the Research Group on Radicalization, Terrorism, and Extremism Prevention at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF), a leading Leibniz Institute. He has held academic and research positions at Leipzig University, Potsdam University, Goethe University Frankfurt, and Freie Universität Berlin, and has been a visiting scholar at Columbia University, University of Hamburg, and WZB Berlin.

• Master of Public Administration and Management, University of Konstanz, Lund, and IEP Aix-en-Provence (2006–2010)

Julian Junk’s research centers on radicalization, extremism, and security policy, with a strong focus on evaluation methodologies in prevention programs (P/CVE). His work explores the dynamics of digital radicalization, the role of civil society in deradicalization, and the ethical challenges of researching extremist content online. He contributes significantly to the conceptualization of radicalization as a multidimensional process, advocating for inclusive and evidence-based policy interventions.

His recent publications analyze trends in online extremism, evaluation frameworks in multi-agency prevention settings, and transnational security risks such as political polarization and right-wing terrorism. He has co-edited influential volumes on security studies, UN peacekeeping, and radicalization, and regularly contributes to the annual Friedensgutachten (Peace Report) on transnational security risks.

• Contributor, Friedensgutachten (Peace Report) on Transnational Security Risks (2018–2025)
• Member, Federal Task Force on Islamism Prevention

Julian Junk leads the PrEval research network, focusing on evaluation in extremism prevention, and has directed major research projects such as RADIS, VORTEX, and KURI. He collaborates extensively with governmental and civil society actors to transfer academic insights into practice. His work emphasizes the importance of ethical research, democratic resilience, and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing contemporary security challenges.

He has advised and collaborated with institutions including the European Commission (Radicalisation Awareness Network), German Federal Government, and various Leibniz associations. His editorial roles include co-editing special issues and books on security studies and radicalization.