I am Dr. Nasreen Anjum, a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Computer Science at the University of Portsmouth, UK, specializing in cyber security, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer networks. With over two decades of experience in academia and research, I am deeply committed to advancing technology education and fostering cutting-edge research in emerging fields. My academic journey includes a PhD in Computer Science from King’s College London, where my research focused on video content delivery over wireless networks using Device-to-Device (D2D) communication. I also hold two master's degrees in Computer Science, which have shaped my expertise in intrusion detection systems, network security, and wireless communication.

My research spans a wide range of emerging areas, including cyber-biosecurity, AI, secure biomedical data systems, and the intersection of generative AI and synthetic biology. I am particularly interested in the security challenges posed by next-generation technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), Digital Twins, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and health technologies. As the Principal Investigator for the UK-Saudi Challenge Fund 2024-25, I am investigating cyber risks in NGS workflows and developing security frameworks to protect sensitive genomic data. This project aims to address the growing vulnerabilities in genomic data processing and storage, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of critical biological information.

Cyber-biosecurity is an emerging discipline that I am deeply invested in, as it addresses the growing convergence of cybersecurity and biological sciences. My work in this area focuses on securing biological data, protecting biotechnological workflows, and mitigating risks associated with the integration of AI and biotechnology. I am particularly interested in how emerging technologies like IoT, Digital Twins, NGS, and AI can be secured to ensure their safe and ethical use in healthcare, genomics, and other critical sectors.

Over the years, I have taught in both UK and international institutions, delivering modules in cybersecurity, Computing, IoT, Network, edge computing, and data science. I have supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, many of which have led to successful academic and industry careers for my students. My teaching philosophy emphasizes practical, real-world applications, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

My research has been published in high-impact journals such as IEEE Access, Elsevier Computer Networks, Springer, & Frontier. I regularly serve as a reviewer for international journals and conferences, and I have worked as a guest editor for special issues on UAV networks and edge intelligence. My contributions to the academic community have been recognized through several awards and nominations, including the Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Fellowship (2014-2019), which supported my PhD studies, and a nomination for the Best Paper Award at the IEEE Wireless Networks and Mobile Communications (WINCOM) conference.

As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), I am deeply committed to advancing inclusive research and teaching practices. I am passionate about developing interdisciplinary, impactful research that addresses complex global challenges at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and biosciences. My goal is to create innovative, ethical solutions that not only advance technology but also ensure its safe and responsible use in society.

Key Achievements:

• Principal Investigator for the UK-Saudi Challenge Fund 2024-25, investigating cyber risks in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows and developing security frameworks to protect sensitive genomic data.

• Co-Principal Investigator for a QR Research Grant investigating genomics-cyber risks and mitigation strategies.

• Published extensively in high-impact journals, including IEEE Access, Elsevier Computer Networks, Springer, and IEEE Transaction on Education etc.,.

• Recognized as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) for excellence in teaching and learning practices.

• Recipient of the Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Fellowship (2014-2019), a fully funded PhD scholarship.

• Nominated for the Best Paper Award at the IEEE WINCOM conference for my work on video content delivery in D2D networks.

• Supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, many of which have led to successful careers in academia and industry.

• Actively involved in curriculum development, ensuring that courses remain relevant to industry trends and technological advancements.

• Regularly serve as a reviewer and guest editor for prestigious journals and conferences, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies.

I am passionate about exploring the security implications of emerging technologies such as IoT, Digital Twins, NGS, and health technologies, and I am committed to developing innovative solutions that address the complex challenges at the intersection of cybersecurity and biosciences. My work aims to create a safer, more secure future for the integration of technology and biology, ensuring that these advancements benefit society while minimizing risks.

My research interests lie at the intersection of cybersecurity, cyberbiosecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and emerging technologies, with a particular focus on addressing the complex challenges posed by the rapid evolution of digital and biological systems. I am passionate about exploring innovative solutions to secure next-generation technologies and their applications in critical domains such as healthcare, genomics, and biotechnology. Below are the key areas of my research, which are open to collaboration with PhD candidates, researchers, and industry partners:

1. Internet of Things (IoT) Security

• Securing IoT devices and networks in smart homes, healthcare, and industrial systems.

• Developing lightweight cryptographic protocols for resource-constrained IoT devices, secure communication frameworks, and AI-driven anomaly detection systems.

• Investigating the role of edge computing in enhancing the security and privacy of IoT ecosystems.

This area is ideal for candidates interested in IoT security, edge computing, and AI applications in cybersecurity.

2. Cyber-Biosecurity

• Investigating the convergence of cybersecurity and biological sciences to protect sensitive biological data and biotechnological workflows.

• Developing security frameworks for emerging technologies such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to safeguard genomic data from cyber threats.

• Exploring the risks and mitigation strategies for the adversarial use of AI in synthetic biology and bioweapon design.

This area is suited for candidates interested in cyber-biosecurity, genomic data protection, and the intersection of AI and biotechnology.

3. Digital Twins and Cyber-Physical Systems

• Exploring the security challenges of digital twins in healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities.

• Designing resilient architectures for cyber-physical systems to safeguard against cyberattacks.

• Leveraging AI to enhance the predictive capabilities and security of digital twins.

This area is ideal for candidates interested in digital twins, cyber-physical systems, and AI-driven security solutions.

4. Edge and Cloud Computing Security

• Enhancing the security and privacy of edge and cloud computing ecosystems.

• Implementing secure data transmission protocols, robust access control mechanisms, and AI-based threat detection to protect distributed and resource-constrained environments.

• Investigating the integration of edge computing with IoT and cloud systems for improved security and performance.

This area is suited for candidates interested in edge computing, cloud security, and AI-driven cybersecurity.

Open to Collaboration and PhD Candidates

I am actively seeking PhD candidates and research collaborators who are passionate about addressing the challenges and opportunities in these cutting-edge areas. My research group offers:

• A multidisciplinary approach to solving real-world problems in cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies.

• Opportunities to work on innovative projects with tangible societal impact.

• A collaborative and supportive research environment at the University of Portsmouth.

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD or collaborating on research in any of these areas—or in other areas of network security, cybersecurity, or cyber-biosecurity—please feel free to reach out. Together, we can push the boundaries of knowledge and develop innovative solutions that address the most pressing challenges in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and the intersection of digital and biological systems. Whether your interest lies in network security protocols, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, or cyber-biosecurity frameworks, I welcome discussions on new ideas and collaborative opportunities to create a safer, more secure digital future.