About us
The University of Greenwich is proud to be recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education (ACE-CSE), Gold Award.
We are one of only fifteen UK universities with ACE-CSE Gold status, and among just nine to be recognised for excellence in both education and cyber security research (ACE-CSR), highlighting excellence across both cyber security education and research.
We are proud members of the NCSC Cyber Skills Community and the TechFirst Community, further demonstrating our commitment to strengthening cyber skills, broadening participation, and inspiring the next generation of cyber security and technology professionals.
Our ACE-CSE is led by members of the internationally acclaimed Centre for Sustainable Cyber Security (CS2), reflecting our commitment to advancing research‑informed, comprehensive cyber security education. The centre is supported by a multidisciplinary team from across the university, including senior leadership, university‑wide information security governance, senior representatives from outreach and equality, diversity and inclusion teams, and external secondary school educators, ensuring robust governance, sector engagement and long‑term impact.
Our programmes combine rigorous academic foundations with hands‑on experience, preparing students to become highly skilled cyber security professionals. We uphold high standards in education, conduct cutting‑edge multidisciplinary research, and maintain strong industry partnerships that provide students with valuable opportunities, including industrial mentorships and internships.
At Greenwich, cyber security is a strategic priority. Our curriculum is aligned with the latest developments in the field, ensuring students remain current with emerging trends and well prepared to bridge theory and practice. We emphasise the importance of fundamental cyber security skills and good cyber hygiene for all, recognising their essential role in today’s digital society.
What we do
We offer a range of programmes and initiatives that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed for impactful careers in cyber security. The centre’s activities are informed by external industrial and academic advisers, ensuring continued relevance, quality and alignment with sector needs
Industry engagement and employability
Cyber security students benefit from the University of Greenwich's Career Mentoring Scheme, which connects them with mentors from leading organisations, including Oracle, JP Morgan, PwC, and Barclays, through workshops, networking events, and one‑to‑one guidance. Students can also gain hands‑on experience through paid work placements with partners such as GCHQ, Nestlé IT Security, EssenSys IT Champion, and Nomura between their second and third years of study.
Experiential learning and challenge‑based activities
Students engage in impactful projects, such as volunteering with Locate International to support missing persons investigations through forensic digital analysis. They further develop their skills and professional networks by participating in events such as the Digital Shark Expo and competitive activities including the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge and the Hack The Box University Capture‑the‑Flag competitions.
Outreach and widening participation
Through the University of Greenwich's Outreach Education Partnership, we collaborate with over 300 schools and colleges to promote STEM and cyber security education and support academic progression. We are also a partner in the Kent and Medway Collaborative Outreach Programme, extending our reach and impact across local communities.
Our role Across the university
The ACE‑CSE plays a coordinating role in embedding appropriate cyber security principles across disciplines beyond computing, supporting cyber awareness, digital resilience and good cyber hygiene for all students. Working with academic and professional services colleagues, the centre helps ensure that cyber security considerations are integrated into teaching, learning and institutional practice across the university.
ACE-CSE recent activities
Find out about events and activities ACE-CSE members have led and attended recently.
Professor Georgia Sakellari
Professor of Networked Systems
ACE-CSE Director
Dr Muhammad Taimoor Khan
Associate Professor in Cyber Security
ACE-CSE Deputy Director
Anthi Glymidou
Vice Principal, Quality of Education, St. Marks Church of England Academy
ACE-CSE Secondary Education Outreach Advisor
Dr Anatolij Bezemskij
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science
ACE-CSE Infrastructure Lead
Professor George Loukas
Professor of Cyber Security
ACE-CSE Staffing and Research-Informed Teaching Lead
Professor Georgios Samakovitis
Professor of Financial Technology
ACE-CSE Industry and Employability Lead
Hayley Smith
Senior Events and Outreach Officer
ACE-CSE Communication and Outreach Lead
Professor Ozgur Cinar
Deputy Head of the School of Law and Criminology
ACE-CSE Allied Disciplines Lead
Gail Brindley
Executive Director of People
ACE-CSE Diversity and Inclusion Lead
Dr. Jodie Wetherall
Associate Director, Office of the CIO
ACE-CSE Liaison Lead for wider cyber security HEI requirements and policies
Professor Constantinos Ierotherou
Associate Dean, Student Success
ACE-CSE Senior HEI management representative
Dennis Ivory
Lecturer in Cyber Security
ACE-CSE Cyber Security Portfolio and Outreach Delivery Coordinator
Najma Taimoor
Lecturer in Computer Science (Secure Healthcare)
ACE-CSE Academic Outreach Lead
Hester Burnage
Employability Skills Manager
ACE-CSE Careers advisor
Future plans
Looking ahead, the University of Greenwich is committed to advancing cyber security readiness in the UK by ensuring our programmes equip students with skills directly aligned with industry demands. We plan to enhance our curriculum to address evolving skill requirements and integrate cyber security awareness across all academic disciplines at levels appropriate to each field.
By promoting a foundational understanding of cyber security, we aim to cultivate a culture of digital awareness and resilience throughout our university community, while actively supporting inclusivity and diversity within the cyber security sector.
To support these goals, we will invest in the necessary resources and faculty development to retain a high standard of cyber security education. This commitment includes expanding our outreach activities to emphasise cyber security, encouraging wider community engagement with cyber skills, and inspiring interest among future generations of cyber professionals.
Additionally, we are dedicated to strengthening our university’s own cyber security posture. By collaborating with internal cyber security managers and stakeholders, we will contribute to ensuring that our institutional policies remain current and effective, fostering a trusted digital environment for all.