Ismini Vasileiou

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT ISMINI VASILEIOU

I work at the interface of academia, industry and government to strengthen the UK’s cyber resilience and help shape a more coherent, future-ready cyber workforce. My work is centred on organisational cyber security, with a particular focus on how evidence, policy and partnership can be translated into practical action that improves organisational capability, supports regional growth and informs national strategy.As Director of the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster (EMCSC), I lead programmes that convene employers, educators, policymakers and civic partners to embed cyber resilience across organisations and supply chains, while developing clearer and more accessible pathways into cyber careers. A central strand of my work is ensuring that cyber is understood not simply as a technical specialism, but as an organisational and economic priority.I am the author of the APPG-endorsed Cyber Workforce of the Future White Paper, which has contributed to parliamentary and national discussions on workforce reform, including the need for a unified cyber skills taxonomy and a more coherent UK-wide approach to capability building.Within higher education, I am an Associate Professor with leadership experience in curriculum transformation, work-based learning, cyber education and AI-enhanced digital pedagogy. I have secured competitive funding from Innovate UK, the Office for Students and HEIF to support applied research, regional innovation and skills development.I also contribute to national policy and sector development through advisory work with DSIT, including the Women in Tech Taskforce, and through engagement with QAA and professional bodies on cyber education, workforce development and organisational capability.My work is grounded in collaboration, inclusion and evidence, and is shaped by a commitment to building sustainable bridges between education, policy and practice. Recognised as the EMIC Academic Champion for Cyber Diversity 2024, I remain committed to supporting the development of a more inclusive, resilient and forward-looking cyber profession.I welcome opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that connect strategy with delivery and create lasting impact at regional, national and sector level.