The award celebrates Royal Holloway’s leadership in cyber education and its impactful partnership with CIISec through the CyberEPQ programme.
Royal Holloway, University of London has been named Academic Partner of the Year 2025 by the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec).
The award recognises the University’s outstanding contribution to cyber security education and its long-standing support of the CyberEPQ programme: a Level 3 qualification designed to develop skills and inspire careers in cyber security for young people in the UK.
The accolade is part of the Fred Piper Awards, named after the founder of the Information Security Group (ISG) at Royal Holloway. They celebrate excellence across multiple academic pathways, that not only recognise individual achievement, but also the vital role that education plays in strengthening the future of cyber security.
Royal Holloway’s Information Security Group was recognised for its collaborative work with CIISec, including project proposal reviews, moderation for quality assurance, participation in student webinars, and exhibiting at the Pathway to Progress event.
Professor Lizzie Coles-Kemp, Head of the Department of Information Security (ISG) at Royal Holloway, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award. It reflects the dedication of our staff and students to advancing cyber security education and outreach. Our partnership with CIISec continues to be a valuable way to support the next generation of cyber professionals.”
Amanda Finch, CEO of the CIISec said: “The Academic Partner of the Year Award recognises institutions that have worked closely with CIISec to promote cyber education and student engagement. Royal Holloway stood out for its consistent and meaningful contributions to our programmes and events.”
Professor Fred Piper (1940-2024) was a pioneering figure in cryptography and cyber security education whose legacy continues to shape the UK cyber landscape.
