Ismini Vasileiou

Dr Ismini Vasileiou is an Associate Professor at De Montfort University within the School of Computer Science and Informatics, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media. She serves as Director of the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster, leading regional and national cybersecurity initiatives. Her work bridges academia, industry, and government, focusing on cyber resilience, policy, education, and inclusion.

Her research interests include:

• Cybersecurity Policy and Governance
• Human Factors and Social Engineering
• Cyber Resilience and Risk Management
• Cybersecurity Education and Pedagogy
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Cybersecurity
• AI and Cybersecurity
• Secure by Design Principles

Her recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus on cybersecurity education, human behavior, digital transformation, and workforce development. Trends show a consistent emphasis on experiential learning, threshold concepts, and addressing the cyber skills gap through degree apprenticeships and inclusive practices.

She has received several honors, including:

• Cyber Security Diversity Academic Champion, EMIC Network (2024)
• Winner, Students as Partners Cup (2014)
• Runner-up, WISE Advisor Award (2014, 2012)
• Most Dedicated Project Supervisor SSTAR Award, University of Plymouth (2012)

Dr Vasileiou supervises multiple PhD students and has secured substantial external funding, including £5.8 million from the Office for Students and £100,000 from DSIT. She has led bids for major initiatives like the Leicester and Leicestershire Institute of Technology. She actively mentors students in areas such as cyber behavior, learning analytics, and agile medical device development.

She is involved in key labs and networks, notably the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster, and contributes to national frameworks through advisory roles with NCFE, QAA, IfATE, and the Institute of Apprenticeships. Her leadership extends to professional societies including BCS, IFIP, and UCISA.