In 2014, The Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative (BOHII) spearheaded a transformative and immersive work-integrated learning experience for RMIT University students. Students work collaboratively with academics and industry professionals to investigate wrongful conviction claims and work towards reforming issues that lead to injustice. BOHII is the only Australian innocence project to be created as an internship model. Our multi-disciplinary campus workplace design enables students to develop and apply transferable employability skills in real-world situations, including ethical practice, communication and interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, resilience and self-care, critical thinking, collaborative working, and research skills. Our students are inspired by their work and search for ways to create change within the system to address wrongful convictions and injustices. Their passion and focus sustain a continually evolving community of practice, which includes dedicated alumni volunteers and peer mentors. Our strong industry links through legal entities, experts, and alumni continuously expand the network of criminal justice professionals who support and promote BOHII’s activities. BOHII is nationally and internationally recognised. Extensive media coverage of BOHII’s investigations, including the documentary Exposed: The Case of Keli Lane, have raised the profile of wrongful convictions in Australia and increased public awareness of the risk factors, causes, and effects of miscarriages of justice. BOHII’s case-based team learning model uses minimal resourcing and migrated seamlessly to an online environment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our model has been successfully adapted to establish other campus workplaces, including RMIT’s Criminal Case Review Project and the Disaster Response Project.

Associate Professor Michele Ruyters
Director
RMIT University,  Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative



Dr Gregory Stratton
Manager
RMIT University,  Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative



Monique Moffa
Supervisor
RMIT University,  Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative



Alyssa Sigamoney
Supervisor
RMIT University,  Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative



Dr Lucy Maxwell
Supervisor
RMIT University,  Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative



Jarryd Bartle
Consultant
RMIT University,  Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative