The head of the Crime & Justice Research Centre at Victoria University is fighting a plan to close it.
Director Michael Roguski says closure would mean the university will be failing in its responsibility to society.
He says it is an invaluable source of criminal justice knowledge used by Government policy makers.
The centre produces research reports and policy advice on issues relating to crime and justice.
Mr Roguski says the centre often represents the views of marginalised sectors of society, such as victims of domestic violence.
He expects a final decision on the future of the centre to be made on 12 August.
