Dr Sarah Morris, Senior Lecturer in Digital Investigation in the Centre for Electronic Warfare, Information and Cyber at Cranfield University, has been appointed to the UK Government’s Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group.
The Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group (BFEG) is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office. It provides independent ethical advice to Home Office ministers on issues related to the collection, use, and retention of biometric and forensic material.
The BFEG also advises on ethical issues in the use of large and complex data sets and projects using explainable data-driven technology.
Dr Morris has over a decade of experience in complex technical digital investigations and is Head of the Digital Investigation Unit at Cranfield.
Dr Morris gave oral evidence at the House of Lords as part of a Select Committee inquiry into Forensic Science in 2018 and was the only academic shortlisted for a Women in Defence UK Award in the same year.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Morris said: “I am honoured to have been appointed to this prestigious committee by the Home Secretary. Digital devices are an embedded part of our daily lives and have the potential to hold a vast amount of information about ourselves and our activities. Therefore ensuring any research, investigation or interaction with the data is conducted with the ethical impacts considered throughout the activity is crucial.”
Professor Mark Richardson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor – Cranfield Defence and Security, said: “This is great news for both Sarah and the University. Sarah will be able to demonstrate her undoubted expertise and raise the profile of the University with UK Government in this important area.”
About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.
