Professor of Cyberpsychology, Chair at Capitol Technology University & Cybercrime Advisor to Europol

Professor Mary Aiken is globally recognised as one of the leading authorities in cyberpsychology, the study of how technology influences human behaviour. Her pioneering research has shaped international understanding of online risk, safety, and the human factors that underpin cybersecurity. Best known for her groundbreaking work ‘The Cyber Effect’- a Times Book of the Year – Aiken has advised governments, global agencies, and law-enforcement bodies on the psychological dimensions of the digital world. With an unmatched career spanning research leadership, policy influence, and high-level advisory roles, she continues to define the field and remains one of the most sought-after voices on technology’s impact on society.

Credentials and Impact

Mary Aiken’s distinguished career began in the commercial sector, where she served as Senior Vice President at Equity Marketing Inc. before moving into innovation leadership as Director of Aiken Innovation R&D. Her transition into cyberpsychology emerged during her role as Director of the CyberPsychology Research Centre at RCSI, followed by her pivotal position co-leading a White House research team for the Obama Administration’s “Tech vs Human Trafficking” initiative. Building on this foundation, she became an Academic Advisor to the European Cyber Crime Centre at Europol and later contributed her expertise as a Member of the INTERPOL Global Cybercrime Expert Group.

Aiken subsequently held academic appointments including Adjunct Associate Professor and Adjunct Professor at University College Dublin, as well as Professor of Forensic Cyberpsychology at the University of East London. Her industry impact expanded further when she became Chief Scientist of Safety Tech at Paladin Capital Group, supporting technological innovation in online safety.

Today, Mary serves as Professor of Cyberpsychology and Chair of the Department of Cyberpsychology at Capitol Technology University. She is also the UEL Co-Lead on a €5 million EU Horizon project focused on cybercrime drivers and works closely with governmental bodies such as the UK’s DCMS on online safety initiatives. Her contributions have earned her major accolades including the Freedom of the City of Dublin, induction into the Infosecurity Europe Hall of Fame, and recognition among the Top 50 Women in GovTech and the Top 100 Women in STEM.

Publications and Media

Mary Aiken is the author of the internationally acclaimed ‘The Cyber Effect’, a Times Book of the Year that has shaped global debate on the psychology of online behaviour. Her academic work, articles, and expert commentary have appeared in leading outlets including the Wall Street Journal, the Guardian, the Sunday Times, the New York Times, and the New York Post. Frequently featured across television, radio, and print media, she is a prominent voice on digital-age human behaviour.

Why Book Mary?

Professor Mary Aiken is an exceptional choice for organisations seeking authoritative insight into how technology shapes human behaviour, risk, and resilience. As one of the world’s leading cyberpsychologists, she specialises in translating complex behavioural science into clear, actionable guidance for industries navigating cyber threats, online harms, and rapidly evolving digital environments. Her keynote delivery is engaging, evidence-driven, and directly relevant to leaders responsible for security, trust, safety, and technological strategy. Mary Aiken has earned an impressive exclusive client rating of 4.9 stars, proving her trusted stature as an expert keynote speaker.

Aiken’s career advising Europol, INTERPOL, government departments, and global research bodies ensures her perspectives are grounded in real-world challenges, not theory alone. She brings unparalleled experience from high-level roles across academia, policy, and innovation, offering audiences a rare blend of scientific expertise and practical understanding. Her talks on cyberpsychology further showcase her ability to captivate audiences while illuminating the human impact of digital change.

For conferences, corporate events, and policy forums, booking Mary Aiken means securing a world-class expert who equips audiences to stay ahead in an increasingly complex technological landscape.