Judith Aldridge

Professor Judith Aldridge heads the Criminology department at the University of Manchester. Her pioneering research examines drug markets, policy frameworks, and consumption patterns, with groundbreaking work on cryptomarket dynamics including the first study of Silk Road drug sales.

She developed the 'normalisation thesis' framework for adolescent recreational drug use through longitudinal studies spanning three decades. Methodological innovations include establishing protocols for 'in situ' research of drug use in nightlife settings. Aldridge advises international bodies including the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction and serves on the UK government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

Current EU-funded project SCANNER analyzes novel psychoactive substances in rapidly evolving online markets. Her work intersects digital innovation, transnational policy, and harm reduction strategies.