- Aston University has been named as Cyber University of 2025
- The National Cyber Awards marks excellence and innovation
- The University’s Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre was recognised for its outstanding contribution.
Aston University has been named as Cyber University of 2025 in a national awards competition that is judged by experts from industry, government and the public sector.
The National Cyber Awards, which is sponsored this year by BAE Systems, were launched in 2019 to mark excellence and innovation in the field of cybersecurity.
The University’s Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre, or CSI, which is dedicated to making the UK the safest place for digital business, was recognised for its outstanding contribution to education, research and innovation.
Recent projects include contributions to two multi-million pound Horizon Europe initiatives, TRACE, which uses AI to tackle international money, and FORCE or Fostering Optimal Regulatory Compliance for Cryptocurrencies: An Interdisciplinary Approach, which builds on TRACE initiative. Nationally the centre has contributed to UK Cyber Ecosystem Mapping Project which informs on strategy and curriculum development. The University has also conducted research on AI-powered disinformation responses and blockchain forensics which has reinforced its reputation as a global leader in cybersecurity studies.
To increase participation in the sector Aston established Cyber Kali which introduces schoolgirls from disadvantaged backgrounds to cybersecurity through hands-on competitions. The University is also an official CyberFirst partner which demonstrates its dedication to widening participation in cybersecurity careers.
The University was shortlisted against four other UK universities and the team were presented with their award at a black-tie dinner in London on 29 September.
CSI director Professor Vladlena Benson said: “At the heart of Aston’s success is the Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and has significantly expanded the University’s research capabilities while forging strong partnerships with industry and government.
“The award highlights our unique approach to preparing students for careers in cybersecurity through a powerful combination of rigorous academic programmes, real-world experience, and strong industry and government collaboration. All programmes are aligned with the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge or CyBOK, ensuring that Aston graduates are equipped with the skills required by today’s evolving digital landscape.”
Award categories included cyber industry, education & skills, cyber leaders and public sector.
CEO of The National Cyber Awards, Fergus Bruce, praised the winners of this year's event and said: “These awards were the biggest we have seen to date with a range of fantastic nominees, highlighting the innovation and overall calibre of those working in the cybersecurity industry today. These winners represent the foundational future of cybersecurity: the educators, trainers and institutions forging tomorrow’s talent. By equipping people with critical skills and inspiring fresh minds, they build resilience from the ground up. Congratulations to those advancing the cause of learning and growth and being committed to such an exciting and testing industry.”
- Notes to editors
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Photo caption (l-r) Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, CSI director Professor Vladlena Benson
About The National Cyber Awards
The National Cyber Awards celebrate excellence in cybersecurity, honouring individuals and organisations for their innovation, leadership, and commitment to securing digital environments. Now in its seventh year, the awards recognise achievements across various sectors, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding national and global interests.
About Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as continuing professional development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is second in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications, 07825 342091 or n.jones6@aston.ac.uk