Sara Helen Wilford

Dr. Sara Helen Wilford is an Associate Professor and Interim Co-Director of the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility (CCSR) at De Montfort University's School of Computer Science and Informatics. She serves as an ethics expert and project evaluator for the European Commission and has extensive experience in research leadership, including a three-year EU project focusing on Social Media narratives addressing extremism in middle age.

Dr. Wilford's educational background includes a PhD in Information Systems & Public Policy from De Montfort University (2004) and a BA (Hons) in Public Administration & Management Studies, where she was awarded the KPMG prize for best final year student.

Her research expertise spans computer ethics, privacy, data protection, surveillance, social media and public policy, with a particular focus on online extremism and misinformation. Dr. Wilford's work integrates technical understanding with social responsibility, examining how digital technologies impact society and individual rights. She has contributed significantly to the field of responsible research and innovation, bridging the gap between technological development and ethical considerations.

Dr. Wilford has received recognition for her academic excellence, including:

• KPMG prize for best final year student during her undergraduate studies

As an educator, Dr. Wilford serves as Programme Leader for three undergraduate degrees (Applied Computing BSc, Business Information Systems BSc, and Business Data Analytics BSc). She supervises MSc and PhD students, currently guiding Aiden Morris, James Garratt, Anjela Mikhaylova, and Tonii Leach in their research. Her professional engagements include membership on the Scientific Advisory Board of the European Academy of Technology and Innovation Assessment GmbH (2017-2019) and ongoing work as an ethics expert for the European Commission since 2015.

Dr. Wilford leads the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, a research group dedicated to examining the societal implications of computing technologies. Her current major project addresses social media narratives related to extremism in middle age, reflecting her commitment to applying ethical frameworks to contemporary digital challenges.