Dr Ismini Vasileiou, Associate Professor in Information Systems at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), has been named a finalist in the 2025 Women in Tech Awards, recognising her exceptional contribution to technology and innovation in higher education.
Shortlisted in the Academic Award category, Dr Vasileiou is being celebrated for her leadership in driving innovation, shaping the future of tech education, and serving as an inspiring role model for the next generation of women in technology.
Picture credit: DMU
A nationally recognised expert in cyber education, digital resilience, and inclusive leadership, Dr Vasileiou is also the founder and director of the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster.
“It’s a huge honour to be named a finalist,” said Dr Vasileiou. “My work has always focused on building inclusive, accessible pathways into technology—whether through curriculum design, research, or policy. To receive this recognition is truly humbling, and I hope it encourages more women to see themselves in tech.”
This nomination caps a year of major achievements for Dr Vasileiou. She was recently named Academic Champion of the Year at the EMiC Cyber Diversity Awards and led a Westminster roundtable focused on closing the UK’s cyber skills gap. Earlier this month, she secured £150,000 in funding from Innovate UK to support businesses in strengthening their cyber security.
Her work spans digital policy, curriculum development, and collaboration with industry—always with an emphasis on increasing representation of women, ethnic minorities, and neurodivergent individuals in the tech sector.
The Women in Tech Awards saw a record-breaking number of nominations this year, underlining the growing impact of women across the digital world.
Public voting is open until midnight on 17 August, and votes will contribute to the final decision by the judging panel. Winners will be announced on 8 September at a ceremony at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
To vote, visit: https://www.womenintechawards.co.uk/vote-now
