Dr Mary Aiken:
A Global Influencer

A prolific speaker and communicator - Dr Mary Aiken utilises every opportunity to discuss the cyberpsychology of technology and its impact on individuals, communities, industry and society in general. Whether appearing in media interviews, podcasts, conferences or television discussions, she conveys the importance of an informed approach to technological innovation, development, deployment, policy and governance. Dr Mary is a highly sought after keynote speaker, panelist, after dinner speaker and moderator.

As a cyberpsychologist Dr Mary Aiken covers a broad range of topics for example; Human factors in Cybersecurity and CyberSafety; the Psychology of AI, Cybercrime & Cyber Behavioural Profiling; FinTech, Finance, Banking & Insurance; HealthTech & Healthcare; Mental Health & Well Being; Executive Coaching & Cyberleadership; e-Commerce, Marketing & Consumer behaviour.

The CBS primetime TV show CSI: Cyber draws its inspiration from Dr Mary Aiken's pioneering work in the field of cyberpsychology. Dr Aiken, a leading expert in this discipline, served as a producer on the show, ensuring its plots authentically reflected the latest developments in cybercrime and forensic cyberpsychology. The main character Avery Ryan, portrayed by Oscar winning actress Patricia Arquette, was based on Dr Aiken.

Dr Aiken's involvement in CSI: Cyber extended beyond merely inspiring the character of Ryan. As a producer, she played an integral role in shaping the show's direction, offering input on the writing process from initial brainstorming to final script revisions. Her advisory contributions ensured that storylines captured the nuanced ways in which technology influences cybercriminal behaviour and law enforcement's response. Her role as a producer was pivotal to the show’s authenticity - making the show not just entertaining but also educational.

In 2015 the pilot for CSI:Cyber broke a Guinness World Record for largest ever TV simulcast drama by airing in 171 countries. By blending Hollywood drama with the real-world complexities of cyberpsychology, Dr Aiken’s work on 31 episodes of CSI: Cyber provided viewers with a compelling and ground breaking insight into the digital world's darker corners. Her involvement ensured that the series accurately reflected contemporary cybercrime challenges, raising global awareness and making it an influential and educational part of the CSI franchise.

Dr. Mary Aiken has been a cornerstone in bridging the gap between academic research in cyberpsychology and its practical implications for society. Her outreach and engagement initiatives are centered around educating the public, influencing policy, and promoting safe and ethical technology use. Dr. Aiken is an academic advisor to  INTERPOL and to Europol's European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), she regularly lends her expertise to a variety of audiences through public lectures, workshops, and seminars, aiming to elevate the general understanding of how new technologies impact human behaviour.
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Professor Aikens ability to translate complex scientific insights into accessible information has made her a respected figure in public debates on topics ranging from digital wellness to cybercrime. Moreover, her commitment to societal well-being is reflected in her advocacy work, where she collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders to craft policy guidelines and strategies that address the ever-evolving socio-tech challenges. Her guidance is crucial in shaping initiatives that promote online safety, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and adolescents, and in developing policies that ensure the ethical integration of artificial intelligence into everyday life. In recognition of her contributions to science and society, Dr. Aiken has received numerous awards and honours. Her work continues to inspire academics, practitioners, and policymakers worldwide to consider the cyberpsychological facets of technology use as we navigate the shared environment of cyberspace.

In 2013, Professor Aiken co-led a White House research team as part of the Obama Administration's initiative 'Tech. v's Human Trafficking' and was inaugurated into SameShield an organisation that honours women’s leadership in traditionally closed professions. In 2014 she was listed in the top 100 women in science, technology, engineering and maths. In 2016 she was named as one of the 50 most inspiring women in technology in Europe. Professor Aiken was inducted into the Infosecurity Europe Hall of Fame in 2017, in recognition of her contribution to the information and cybersecurity sector. In 2019 she was Awarded her second PhD; a 'Doctor Honoris Causa' by the University Politehnica of Bucharest for her contribution to science, technology and cyberpsychology. In 2019 and 2021 she was named in the top 50 women in GovTech in the Asia Pacific region. In June 2022, Professor Mary Aiken was awarded Freedom of the City of Dublin, Ireland for her services to cyberpsychology, cybersecurity and online safety, just 83 people have received this award over the past 150 years and only 4 women - previous recipients include JFK, Nelson Mandela, Bono and Mother Theresa. In 2024 Prof Aikens behavioural profiling cyber fraud campaign for Bank of Ireland was awarded a gold medal in the Social Media Awards for the 'Best Behaviour Change Campaign.'

Through her continued efforts in outreach and engagement, Dr. Aiken not only raises awareness but also drives meaningful change, aiming to ensure that cyberspace is a safe, inclusive, and equitable space for all. Her work exemplifies a profound dedication to the intersection of technology and human psychology, highlighting her role as a key influencer in shaping the future of cyber societies.
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Professor Mary Aiken is a renowned figure in the realm of cyberpsychology, an interdisciplinary field that explores the psychological phenomena associated with technology use. As a pioneering researcher and thought leader, Prof. Aiken has extensively studied the impact of emerging technologies on human behaviour, which has solidified her reputation as a foremost expert in her field. Professor Mary Aiken has a Masters of Science in Cyberpsychology and a PhD in Forensic Cyberpsychology. Throughout her career, Dr. Aiken has authored a wide range of scholarly articles that examine everything from virtual reality and cyber addictive type behaviours to organised cybercrime.
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At the forefront of academic initiatives, Dr. Aiken has served as a professor at multiple esteemed institutions. She is also a frequent guest lecturer at international conferences and seminars, providing insights into the cyberpsychological implications of technological integration in daily life. One of Dr. Aiken's notable contributions to academia is her role in developing and enhancing educational programs, including the first online PhD programs in Cyberpsychology and Forensic Cyberpsychology at Capitol Technology University.

Professor Aiken has been involved in numerous international research projects, she was co-lead on one of the largest EU Cybercrime Research projects to date investigating human and technical drivers of cybercrime, with a specific focus on preventing juvenile cybercrime. Dr Aiken is one of the founder members of the UK online Safety Technology or Safety Tech sector. She is an expert advisor on online harms and Safety Tech projects to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology ( DSIT).  She is an expert advisor on "The Online Safety Data Initiative" bringing together expertise from suppliers, and a range of government, academic, and civil society stakeholders. The initiative will drive innovation in the Safety Tech sector by providing companies with access to the vital data needed to develop world-class safety tools to identify and remove harmful content online. She is an expert advisor to the Trust, Safety and the Digital Economy project, an Ipsos MORI report featuring the contributions of dozens of industry experts, and taking a systematic view of the value of online trust across core sectors.  Professor Aiken was co-lead investigator on a study funded by the UK online regulator Ofcom titled "Research on the Protection of Minors" the report outlined a taxonomy of online risks to guide the work of video service providers in the context of online safety legislation.   She was co-lead investigator on "The Cyber Blue Line" a cyberleadership report for Europol which explored the changing ways in which policing could be approached, in the real world and online, in order to maintain secure and safe societies in cyberspace. She is the Principal Investigator (PI) on the recent US Safety Tech Sectoral Analysis report published in January 2022, and was invited to brief the White House on the results of this research. She was Principal Investigator (PI) on the 2023 International State of Safety Tech report. She is Chief Scientist SafetyTech and Strategic Advisor to the Paladin Capital Group - a leading global investor that supports and grows the world's most innovative cyber companies.

Dr Aiken research has not only been pivotal in academic circles but has also influenced policy making. Her expertise has been instrumental in shaping policies that address issues such as internet safety and security, and the safety and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Beyond her teaching and research, Dr. Aiken is an accomplished author. Her bestselling book, "The Cyber Effect," received critical acclaim for its insightful analysis of how our digital lives are shaping the human condition. The book has been translated into over a dozen languages, making her research accessible to a global audience. Dr. Aiken also contributes to public discourse through her regular articles and appearances in media.

In 2023 Prof. Aiken was invited to present at the  US Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) Proposers Day on "Reimagining Security with Cyberpsychology-informed Network Defenses" (RESCIND), an active cyber defence initiative which seeks to counter cyber attacks by leveraging the psychological vulnerabilities of cyberattackers. In recognition of her contributions to science and society, Dr. Aiken has received numerous awards and honours. Her work continues to inspire students, academics, educators, parents, practitioners, industry leaders, statutory agencies and policymakers worldwide.