The Research and Innovation Award, part of the Freedom Express Awards, honors exemplary academic researchers who have significantly advanced the understanding of cults and coercive control. This prestigious award recognizes innovative research that provides actionable insights for intervention and support. Nominees must hold an advanced degree (MA, Ph.D., Psy.D., or equivalent) in psychology, sociology, anthropology, or related fields from an accredited institution. They should have published at least one peer-reviewed article on cults, coercive control, or related subjects. Specifically, the publications should demonstrate the ability to introduce new concepts or methodologies that advance understanding in these areas.
In addition to theoretical contributions, nominees’ research must offer practical insights. These insights should help professionals working with victims, showcasing a commitment to translating academic findings into effective intervention strategies. Additionally, adherence to ethical research guidelines is essential, with no record of academic misconduct. This award celebrates those who combine technical proficiency with a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by cults and coercive control.
2023 Recipient of the Research and Innovation Award
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Janja Lalich, Ph.D. is the recipient of the 2023 Research and Innovation Award as part of the Freedom Express Awards. She is Professor Emerita of Sociology and an international authority on cults and coercion. This award honors Dr. Lalich’s exceptional contributions to the field of cult dynamics and coercive control. It recognizes her pioneering research and its profound impact on both academic understanding and practical intervention.
Dr. Lalich’s work has profoundly impacted countless lives. For example, the nominator found solace and understanding in Dr. Lalich’s book, “Take Back Your Life.” The nominator shared, “I truly was experiencing confusion, fear, and post-traumatic stress as I was waking up. This book gave me the insight to what I was going through and the steps that I could take to heal and move forward with my life.” This testimony highlights how Dr. Lalich’s research and writing have equipped survivors with tools to reclaim their lives. They are free from manipulation and control.
Works
As a researcher, author, and educator, Dr. Lalich specializes in analyses of recruitment, indoctrination. She also specializes in coercive methods of influence and control. Additionally, she is the author and co-author of six books which elucidates her groundbreaking framework and theory on cult behavior. Her work has been translated into numerous languages, impacting a global audience.
Dr. Lalich is also the Founder and CEO of the nonprofit Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion. Additionally, she presents at domestic and international conferences. She often leads workshops for government and international intelligence agencies, and facilitates psychoeducational courses for trauma survivors and mental-health professionals. Additionally, she served as an expert witness in civil and criminal legal cases. Dr. Lalich has appeared in numerous interviews and documentaries on cults and related subjects. She dedicates herself to translating academic research into actionable strategies for support and intervention. This exemplifies the spirit of the Research and Innovation Award. Congratulations to Dr. Lalich for making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by cults and coercive control.
About Dr. Janja Lalich
Janja Lalich, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Sociology, is an international authority on cults and coercion. Researcher, author and educator, she specializes in analyses of recruitment, indoctrination, and coercive methods of influence and control. Dr. Lalich is the author and/or coauthor of six books, including the now classic, Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships (3 rd ed.). Bounded Choice: True Believers and Charismatic Cults elucidates her groundbreaking framework and theory on why cult members do things that those on the outside cannot understand. Her research on children born/raised in a high-control group is the basis Escaping Utopia: Growing Up in a Cult, Getting Out and Starting Over.
Her work has been translated into Spanish, French, German, Italian, Polish, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Farsi, and Sinhala. In addition to working with survivors and families, she presents at domestic and international conferences and leads workshops for government agencies, international intelligence agencies, private companies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, as well as facilitating psychoeducational courses, workshops, and discussion groups for trauma survivors, families, and mental-health professionals. She has also served as an expert witness in civil and criminal legal cases. She has been featured in countless interviews (print, online, podcasts) and has appeared in numerous documentaries on cults and related subjects. Dr. Lalich is the Founder and CEO of the nonprofit, Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion ( www.lalichcenter.org ) and may be reached at janja.l@lalichcenter.org.