Elisa Orofino

Elisa Orofino is an Academic Lead for Extremism and Counter-Terrorism at the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI), Anglia Ruskin University. She holds a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Melbourne and has conducted research across Italy, Egypt, the UK, and Australia. Her work focuses on non-violent extremism, radicalization pathways, and counter-terrorism strategies, particularly analyzing groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir. She teaches at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and is affiliated with the Safe and Inclusive Communities research theme.

• Education: Bachelors (Political Sciences, Catania, 2009), Masters (Global Politics, Catania, 2012), PhD (Islamic Studies, Melbourne, 2018). PGcert in Teaching (Anglia Ruskin, 2023).
• Research Interests: Non-violent extremism, extremism in gaming, TACT offenders, Prevent strategy, Muslims in the West, radicalization, terrorism, revivalist Islamic movements.

Her research emphasizes the ideological foundations of extremism, particularly exploring how non-violent groups challenge modern socio-political systems. She has advised governments and contributed to policy frameworks, including projects for the UK Commission for Countering Extremism and Counter-Terrorism Policing. Media engagements include BBC Radio and The Conversation.

• Key Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2023).
• Professional Memberships: Academic-Practitioner Counter Extremism Network (APCEN), European Society for Criminology, British Association for Islamic Studies (BRAIS).