Alison Wakefield

Professor Alison Wakefield is a Professor of Criminology and Security Studies at the University of West London (UWL), where she co-directs the Cybersecurity and Criminology Centre. She has held academic positions at the University of Portsmouth, University of New South Wales, City University London, and the University of Leicester. Prior to academia, she worked as a management consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers following her PhD at the University of Cambridge.

• Co-Director, UWL Cybersecurity and Criminology Centre
• Chartered Security Professional
• Chair Emeritus, Security Institute UK
• Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute

Her research focuses on the intersection of criminology and security studies, including cybersecurity, fraud, policing, and private prosecutions. Recent work explores autonomous vehicles, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and restorative justice. Key themes include:

• Converged security risk management
• Policing reform and leadership behaviors
• Private sector roles in justice systems

Her publications span journals like Security Journal, Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, and British Paramedic Journal, with a 2018 paper on fraud bottlenecks earning the Emerald Outstanding Paper Award. She serves on editorial boards including Security Journal and the Internet Journal of Restorative Justice.

Scientific Awards

• SC Media UK’s 30 Women of Influence in Cyber Security 2021
• Emerald Outstanding Paper 2018
• IFSEC Global Top 50 Most Influential in Security 2020 (3rd in Academic category)
• Imbert Associations Prize 2017

As an educator, she specializes in doctoral education, distance learning, and security education, teaching courses such as BSc Criminology, MSc Artificial Intelligence: Cybercrime and Criminal Justice, and PhD programs in Criminology and Policing.