We are delighted to announce that three Core Members of the Institute of Cyber Security for Society (iCSS) at the University of Kent have been promoted to more senior positions: Dr Virginia Franqueira, Dr Jason Nurse and Dr Carlos Perez-Delgado.
Dr Virginia Franqueira, iCSS’s Deputy Director (Education) and Director of the University of Kent’s Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education (ACE-CSE) (Gold award, 2023-29), has been promoted to Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security. Virginia’s research mainly focuses on digital forensics from the perspective of adapting theories and techniques from other disciplines to improve the investigative process, primarily exploring technology-facilitated interpersonal crimes such as cyberstalking, intimate partner violence, and child sexual exploitation and abuse. More recently, she has also been focusing on cyber security pre-university education and protection for children against online harms. She is a member of the EURASIP (European Association for Signal Processing) Technical Area Committee on BForSec (Biometrics, Data Forensics, and Security).
Dr Franqueira said: ‘I am very happy with the news of my promotion to Senior Lecturer at the University of Kent. It is great to be part of Kent’s dynamic Institute of Cyber Security for Society (iCSS) and contribute to its excellence in cyber security education and research, surrounded by amazing colleagues.’
Dr Jason Nurse, iCSS’s Public Engagement Lead, was promoted to Reader in Cyber Security. Jason’s research explores the interdisciplinary nature of cyber security, privacy, and trust. This especially considers the impact of new technologies (e.g., smart tech, AI) on these areas. Currently, his research focus is on human aspects of security, mitigating the threat of ransomware and its harms, and cyber insurance as a means for improving corporate security. Some highlights of his work include being appointed as Director of Science & Research at CybSafe, co-chairing the Advisory Board of the Research Institute for Sociotechnical Cyber Security (RISCS), and being awarded funding for a new EPSRC/UKRI project titled “Enhancing Cyber Resilience of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises through Cyber Security Communities of Support” (2023-26).
Dr Nurse said: ‘It’s fabulous news and I’m really honoured to be promoted to Reader. The University of Kent continues to be an excellent university for cyber security research and education, and each year we build on our experience and expertise. I particularly value our interdisciplinary approach to security and our strength as a team of academics, practitioners and students, all dedicated to significantly advancing the field.’
Dr Carlos Perez-Delgado, iCSS’s Core Member, has been promoted to Senior Lecturer in Quantum Computing. Carlos’ research focuses on quantum information technologies, cyber security, and the intersection of these two areas. Carlos has given keynotes and talks about his work around the world. Recently, he was invited to give the keynote address at a conference in La Paz, Mexico, and published a chapter in a book titled Quantum Software Engineering (Springer). His research has been showcased in popular media sites and magazines such as Forbes and New Scientist.
Dr Perez-Delgado said, ‘I wholeheartedly congratulate my colleagues on their promotions. I’m proud of the achievements of my research group, the ICSS, and the School of Computing.’
In addition to the great news about the above three Core Members of iCSS who got promoted, some Associate Members of iCSS have also been promoted, including the following:
- Jim Ang of the School of Computing has been promoted to Professor.
- Christos Efstratiou of the School of Computing has been promoted to Reader.
- Anna Jordanous of the School of Computing has been promoted to Reader.
- Marek Grzes of the School of Computing has been promoted to Senior Lecturer.
- Alexandra Covaci of the School of Engineering has been promoted to Senior Lecturer.
- Anna Brown of the School of Psychology has been promoted to Professor.
- Lex Mauger of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has been promoted to Professor.
- Tracee Green of the Centre for Child Protection (CCP) and the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR) has been promoted to Reader.
- Aravinda Kosaraju of the Centre for Child Protection (CCP) and the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR) has been promoted to Senior Lecturer.
iCSS sincerely congratulates all the above-named members for their promotions!