About GRIIT

The Gender, Resilience, and Inclusive Innovation in Cyber, Digital and Emerging Technologies advances scholarship, policy, and practice at the intersection of gender, technology, and responsible innovation.

Where Research Meets Responsibility

An interdisciplinary research group committed to ethical technological development

The Gender, Resilience, and Inclusive Innovation in Cyber, Digital and Emerging Technologies (GRIIT) is an interdisciplinary research group based at Aston University. We advance scholarship, policy engagement, and practice at the intersection of gender, technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and inclusive innovation, with a commitment to responsible and ethical technological development.

GRIIT responds to a critical gap: as digital technologies reshape society, they often reproduce and amplify existing inequalities. From algorithmic bias to technology-facilitated violence, the digital world is not neutral. We exist to investigate these harms, develop evidence-based interventions, and ensure technology serves everyone—not just the powerful.

Our Vision

To become a leading interdisciplinary research hub advancing knowledge, policy, and practice on gender, technology, and responsible innovation, contributing to the creation of equitable futures in the digital age.

Evidence-Led

Survivor-Centered

Accountability-Driven

Intersectional

Collaborative

Action-Oriented

Our Mission

GRIIT's mission is to advance socially responsible and inclusive technological innovation through rigorous research, policy engagement, and educational initiatives. We seek to:

Produce high-quality, interdisciplinary research on gender and inclusion in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies

Inform and influence public policy, regulatory frameworks, and organisational practice toward greater equity and accountability in technology-driven sectors

Empower underrepresented and marginalised communities in STEM through education, mentorship, and outreach

Strengthen Aston University's leadership in ethical, inclusive, and responsible innovation

Responsible AI and Digital Ethics

Responsible AI constitutes a central pillar of GRIIT’s research agenda

The Group critically examines algorithmic systems, data practices, and digital infrastructures to identify and address gendered and intersectional forms of bias, exclusion, and harm. GRIIT’s work contributes to the development of AI systems that are transparent, accountable, fair, and aligned with societal values.

Research That Challenges the Status Quo

Four interconnected themes driving our work

Gender and Cybersecurity

Research addressing inclusive cyber workforce development, online safety, technology-facilitated abuse, digital ethics, and cyber harm prevention.

Feminist and Intersectional Technology Studies

Critical examination of gender bias in algorithms, representation in data science, and the ethical and social implications of AI and automated systems.

Policy and Innovation for Equity

Research on inclusive innovation ecosystems and gender-sensitive technology policy across national and international contexts.

Education and Empowerment

Development of skills pipelines, mentorship programmes, and outreach initiatives, supporting girls and women in technology.

Action Beyond Analysis

How we translate research into real-world impact

Interdisciplinary research projects and peer-reviewed publications

Public lectures, symposia, and academic-policy workshops

An annual Inclusive Innovation Summit

Strategic partnerships with industry, government, and civil society

Curriculum enrichment, including the development of new MSc and MBA modules

Specialist initiatives such as Forensic Linguistics for Cyber Threat Literacy among Adolescent Girls

Leadership Grounded in Expertise

This is the space to introduce the team and what makes it special. Describe the team culture and work philosophy. To help site visitors connect with the team, add details about team members’ experience and skills.

Project Lead & Research Director

Dr. Anitha Chinnaswamy

Programme Director for MSc Cyber Security Management, Senior Lecturer & Deputy Director of the Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre at Aston University. Dr. Chinnaswamy leads GRIIT's research on cyber violence against women and girls, bringing together interdisciplinary expertise in cybersecurity, gender studies, and policy engagement.

Strategic Advisor

Professor Shivani Sharma

Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (People, Planning, Performance) at Aston University. Professor Sharma champions equity and inclusion across the institution, ensuring GRIIT's work aligns with university-wide commitments to responsible innovation and social impact.