University of Buckingham

Computing students successful at OpenBright Awards

24 April 2026

Zunaira

We are pleased to announce that Isuri Gatamanna Arachchige (PhD Computing) and Zunaira Afzal (MSc Computing by Research) have been selected as recipients of the OpenBright Awards.

Following a competitive selection process, including an online interview with the OpenBright Trustees, both students were recognised for the excellence, originality, and potential impact of their research projects.

The OpenBright Awards, established to support women pursuing research in computing and related disciplines, aim to encourage innovation while addressing the gender imbalance in the field. This achievement reflects both the high quality of research undertaken within the department and the commitment of our students to advancing knowledge in their respective areas.

Supervised by Dr Maysson Ibrahim, Senior Lecturer in Computing, Isuri’s project ‘Early Alzheimer’s Disease Identification via Multi-Omics Integration and Functional Biomarker Discovery’, explores the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to improve early diagnosis and clinical relevance in Alzheimer’s disease detection.

Isuri

Supervised by Professor Harin Sellahewa, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Law and Psychology, Zunaira’s project ‘A Digital Twin Framework for Analysing the Aftermath of Cyber-Attacks on Industrial Control Systems’, proposes a novel approach to examining post-attack system behaviour, contributing to improved understanding and resilience of critical infrastructure.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Isuri and Zunaira on this significant achievement and look forward to seeing the continued impact of their work.

Law School Success at the National Client Interviewing Competition 2026

22 April 2026

Julie O'Shea with Lillie and Geremy at the finals of the National Client Interviewing Competition 2026 It was a privilege to see undergraduate law students Lillie Barratt and Geremy Miller progress to the Finals of the National Client Interviewing Competition 2026 held at St Mary’s University, and to support them throughout their preparation as their academic and legal practice coach, alongside fellow Law School academics Dr James Slater and Charley Ann Gordon. Their professionalism, empathy, and strategic thinking were of an exceptionally high standard and exemplified the core principles of effective, holistic, client‑centred legal practice.

Their exceptional performance in the initial round – ranking 6th out of 25 teams – saw them compete successfully against teams from the University of Exeter and Bangor University, tackling complex client scenarios with professionalism involving neighbour disputes and tree preservation orders in land law.

Competing against 12 leading university teams from across the UK, the students continued to perform at a consistently high level in the national final. They undertook three 40‑minute client interviews across a broad range of challenging legal topics, including aggravated trespass, occupiers’ liability, and negligence. The Buckingham team ultimately finished 8th overall, placing ahead of teams from the University of Brighton, Cardiff University, the University of Kent, and the University of Winchester.

This achievement reflects both the students’ commitment and resilience, and the strength of the University’s advocacy and practical skills training.

Acting as a Judge at the national final, I was particularly proud to see Buckingham students competing with such confidence and composure against leading universities from across the country. Their ability to listen attentively, build rapport, and deliver clear, practical advice under strict time pressures demonstrated both their individual dedication and the effectiveness of Buckingham’s skills based clinical legal education. This result is richly deserved and marks an outstanding achievement.

Student Reflections

Lillie Barratt, Full-time LLB Hons December 2026 Finalist, says:

“It was an honour to represent The University of Buckingham in the regional round of the Client Interviewing Competition 2026. The competition focuses on teamwork, communication, quick thinking, legal knowledge, and, most importantly, empathy. This experience has shown me that while legal knowledge is essential, clients themselves are rarely focused purely on the law. They want practical solutions, clarity about costs, and reassurance that they are not alone in the process. I am proud of our efforts and grateful for the support we have received from the Law Faculty.”

Geremy Miller, Full-Time LLB Hons December 2026 Finalist, says:

“Representing The University of Buckingham at the National Finals of the Client Interviewing Competition 2026 is something I will not forget. Travelling to compete against some of the best law students in the country was, in equal measure, surreal & deeply exciting.
Lillie and I diligently prepared our strategy; with only two weeks to prepare for our interviews, we had to learn whole topics in law that we had not yet covered in our modules. With the gracious help of our faculty coaches, we prepared notes on key topics and practised mock interviews, which gave us the confidence to walk into that room and trust ourselves.
I am incredibly grateful to the Law Faculty for their support throughout this journey, and proud to have carried Buckingham’s name to the national stage.”

Computing students shortlisted for OpenBright Award

21 April 2026

We are pleased to share that two of our students, Isuri Gatamanna Arachchige (PhD Computing) and Zunaira Afzal (MSc Computing by Research), have been shortlisted for the OpenBright awards.

OpenBright, established in 2020, awards grants to women currently enrolled at partner universities who are pursuing research projects in computing, software engineering, data science, digital media, artificial intelligence, robotics, and related fields. These awards aim to empower women to explore innovative ideas, develop research expertise and help address the gender imbalance in computing education and careers.

As part of the final stage of the OpenBright awards process, Isuri and Zunaira have been invited to present and discuss their proposals in an online Q&A session with the Trustees on 16th April. A final decision will be made shortly after the interviews.

Supervised by Dr Maysson Ibrahim, Senior Lecturer in Computing, Isuri’s project, ‘Early Alzheimer’s Disease Identification via Multi-Omics Integration and Functional Biomarker Discovery’, aims to improve the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease using advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques applied to genetic data. It places particular emphasis on developing models that are not only accurate but also clinically meaningful, ensuring their potential to support real-world diagnostic practice.

Isuri says:

“I am honoured to be selected for the OpenBright Award; this opportunity will support the advancement of my PhD research and enhance its real-world impact.”

Supervised by Professor Harin Sellahewa, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Law and Psychology, Zunaira’s project, ‘A Digital Twin Framework for Analysing the Aftermath of Cyber-Attacks on Industrial Control Systems’ presents a digital twin framework designed to analyse the aftermath of cyber-attacks on Industrial Control Systems. While existing research mainly focuses on attack detection and prevention, limited attention has been given to understanding post-attack behaviour and system-level impacts in these environments.

A virtual replica of an ICS will be developed to safely execute controlled cyber-attack scenarios and observe their effects on system performance, stability, and operational processes. The focus will be on examining how disruptions propagate and influence the system after an attack occurs. By addressing this gap, the framework will provide a structured approach to studying post-attack consequences, supporting improved risk awareness and more effective protection strategies for critical infrastructure.

Zunaira says:

“I am really pleased to be shortlisted for the OpenBright Award. This recognition means a lot, and I look forward to developing my project further and seeing its real impact.”

We are proud of Isuri and Zunaira for this outstanding achievement, and we wish them every success in the final stage of the process.

Beloff masterclass lecture: Advancing legal thought on free speech

20 April 2026

As part of the University’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Adolfo Paolini, Dean of Law, was honoured to host a distinguished Masterclass Lecture delivered by Michael Beloff KC, entitled “But you can’t say that! – How free is speech on campus?”. The event welcomed an audience of over 60 attendees, including students, academic colleagues, members of the legal profession, and the wider community, and was further distinguished by the presence of the University Chancellor, Dame Mary Archer.

Held in the Vinson Building Auditorium, the lecture provided a timely and authoritative exploration of freedom of expression – one of the most enduring yet contested principles within modern legal systems. Drawing on his exceptional career at the Bar, Mr Beloff KC offered a rigorous analysis of the legal foundations of free speech, its necessary limits, and the increasing pressures it faces in today’s complex social and regulatory environment.

The occasion also carried particular historical and institutional significance. Michael Beloff KC follows in the distinguished academic tradition of his father, Professor Max Beloff, the eminent historian and legal scholar who served as Principal of University College Buckingham. Hosting the lecture during the University’s anniversary year provided a fitting opportunity to reflect on Professor Beloff’s enduring legacy and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to intellectual independence, academic excellence, and open debate.

Throughout the lecture, Mr Beloff encouraged critical reflection on the balance between protecting freedom of expression and addressing concerns such as harm, regulation, and public interest. His insights compellingly bridged legal theory and practice, illustrating how these challenges arise before the courts and within public life, and offering valuable perspectives for future lawyers, scholars, and policymakers.

Student Representative Dipanjali Samoo (Full-Time LLB) reflected on the impact of the lecture:

“What made the lecture particularly compelling was Mr Beloff’s ability to ground abstract legal principles in real-world scenarios that resonated deeply with his audience. He unpacked the tension between institutional duty, academic freedom, and the limits of lawful expression in a way that was both accessible and intellectually stimulating. Far from delivering a dry legal recitation, he engaged the room with wit, precision, and a genuine enthusiasm for debate that made every point land with impact.
Perhaps even more impressive was his approachability outside of the formal lecture setting. I am also most grateful for the opportunity the Law School extended to me to join Mr Beloff for dinner. That kind of access is rare, and I was very conscious of how fortunate I was to have it. What struck me most in that setting was just how approachable he was. He answered every question with real openness and generosity. It is the kind of encounter that genuinely stays with you.
I cannot thank the Law School enough for making this experience possible. It is exactly this kind of engagement, with world-class practitioners who remain committed to education and open discourse, that enriches university life and reminds us why these conversations matter.”

Following the lecture, Mr Beloff KC generously engaged with attendees during a book‑signing reception, providing an opportunity for further discussion and informal exchange. This added a personal and memorable dimension to an evening that celebrated both legal scholarship and the University’s rich intellectual heritage.

The Law School is deeply grateful to Mr Beloff KC for contributing his time and expertise to this landmark event. The Masterclass exemplified the University of Buckingham’s tradition of rigorous legal inquiry and meaningful engagement with the profession and stood as a highlight of our 50th Anniversary year.

Computing students attend BCSWomen Lovelace Colloquium 2026

16 April 2026

Congratulations to Linaya Piyaratne and Dianah Naigah, both final year BSc (Hons) Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Robotics) students at Buckingham, who were selected to present their projects at the 19th Annual BCSWomen Lovelace Colloquium held at the University of Bath on 8-9 April 2026.

The Lovelace Colloquium is the UK’s leading national conference for women and non binary students in computing. Around 180 student poster presentations (selected from 280 abstract submissions) across undergraduate and master’s categories covering wide range of topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, quantum computing, human computer interaction and digital ethics were included in this year’s colloquium.

Day one of the Lovelace Colloquium focused on first year and Master’s students presenting their work. It was a great opportunity to explore wide range of ideas and explore Bath city. The day ended with a social and Lovelace committee providing accommodation, food and even cake! Day two was when undergraduates presented the early results from their final year projects. It was an opportunity to explain the ideas and work behind the projects to fellow university students and hear fresh perspectives and questions that will further help to improve ongoing projects.

Inspiring keynotes were delivered by Sarah Winmill FRSA CITP CEng FBCS (President of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT) and Edafe Onerhime (Enterprise Data Architect and Responsible AI specialist).

Linaya with her project: Multi-Label Classification of Behavioral Health Risks in NASA Astronaut Narratives: A Comparative NLP Approach

Supervised by Dr Maysson Ibrahim, Linaya’s project, “Multi-Label Classification of Behavioral Health Risks in NASA Astronaut Narratives: A Comparative NLP Approach”, focuses on building a multi-label classification system to detect behavioural health risks in NASA astronaut narratives.

She is comparing multiple approaches including rule-based baselines, traditional statistical ML models, SOTA transformer models (BERT) and domain adapted models (MentalBERT) to see which architecture best understands the stoic, technical language of astronauts.

Linaya says:

“This is a true passion project for me as it allows me to combine my background in psychology with my BSc in Computing with AI and Robotics, all while integrating my love for space!!”

Supervised by Dr Athar Ali, Dianah’s project, “Detecting Online Harm Without Silencing Voices: Bias Aware Cyberbullying Detection”, is a comparative study of a fine-tuned RoBERTa transformer and a Llama large language model for bias-aware cyberbullying detection.

Dianah with her project, titled: Detecting Online Harm Without Silencing Voices: Bias Aware Cyberbullying Detection

Dianah says:

“The attendees were genuinely engaged with the models, curious about my findings, and eager to see how far the project will go. Exploring Bath city center and enjoying the university’s wonderful hospitality were a lovely bonus to what was already a remarkable time.
I am deeply grateful to the School of Computing for bringing this opportunity to my attention as, without them, I would have never known of it.
To our lovely Dean Professor Harin for his constant support throughout the process, and most especially to my wonderful supervisor, Dr Athar Ali, whose guidance, encouragement, and belief in me from the very first abstract submission through to the final poster made this achievement possible.”

Reflecting on the overall experience, Linaya said:

“Being surrounded by so many driven, like-minded women in tech all sharing ideas, research and ambitions made the experience both motivating and unforgettable.
Incredibly grateful to Prof Harin for sharing this opportunity with us and to Dr May for her continuous guidance and support in bringing this project to life!”

Dianah adds:

“Being in a room full of women who share my passion for technology reminded me that I belong in this field and, that the work I do matters.”

We are absolutely delighted with our students’ success and incredibly proud to see them representing Buckingham on this prestigious stage.

Accepting applications now! Postgraduate Certificate in Covert Action, HUMINT, and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation

9 April 2026

The next Postgraduate Certificate in Covert Action, HUMINT, and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation will commence on 28th September 2026. Designed with the professional learner in mind, the programme is delivered entirely online, combining high-quality pre-recorded lectures with interactive live tutorials. These sessions are scheduled in the evenings to provide maximum flexibility, enabling students to engage fully alongside their professional commitments. To further assist the online student, much of the learning material is also accessible electronically including e-books.

This innovative programme is ideally suited to those seeking to develop or enhance careers in government, security and intelligence, law enforcement, the military, or wider policy roles. It blends rigorous academic theory with real-world application, drawing on contemporary case studies and operational insights to ensure learning is both intellectually robust and professionally relevant. Students will develop critical analytical skills, a deeper understanding of human intelligence practices, and an appreciation of the psychological dimensions of elicitation and covert activity. The programme also offers insight into the increasingly complex and, at times, hostile state activity shaping the contemporary European security landscape.

Successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate provides a clear pathway to further study, with the opportunity to progress to a Master’s by Research in Covert Action, HUMINT, and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation. The University is also an approved provider under the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS), offering additional support for eligible applicants. Applications are welcomed from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, including those who may not have previously experienced university-level study, reflecting the programme’s commitment to accessibility and professional development.

For further information, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Programme Leader, Dr Ian Stanier via ian.stanier@buckingham.ac.uk who will be happy to provide additional details and answer any questions.

The University of Buckingham Confers Emeritus Chancellorship on The Lord Tanlaw

8 April 2026

The University of Buckingham has formally conferred the title of Chancellor Emeritus upon The Right Honourable Lord Tanlaw, in recognition of his exceptional service, leadership, and enduring contribution to the University over more than four decades.

The conferment ceremony took place on Thursday 26 March 2026 at The Church of St Peter and St Paul in Buckingham, marking a significant moment in the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Lord Tanlaw’s association with the University began in 1971, when he donated £1 million to help in the set up of the University, and he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 1981. He later served as Chancellor from 2010 to 2013, providing distinguished leadership during a period of growth and consolidation. His longstanding commitment has played a transformative role in shaping both the physical campus and the strategic direction of the institution.

His philanthropic contributions have been instrumental in the University’s development, including the restoration of key buildings such as those on Hunter Street, and continued investment in campus infrastructure.

David Cole, Interim Vice-Chancellor, added:

“As we celebrate 50 years of The University of Buckingham, we honoured our proud past and looked forward to a bright future as we marked this special milestone with the conferment of an Emeritus Chancellorship upon The Lord Tanlaw.
In doing so, we honour a leader whose contribution to Buckingham has been both foundational and transformative. Lord Tanlaw’s commitment to this institution has been evident throughout his long association with us - from his early support for the fledgling University College at Buckingham to his period as Chancellor, during which his guidance, wisdom, and generosity helped shape our modern campus and strengthen our academic ambitions. His remarkable initial gift ahead of the University opening, together with further contributions to key refurbishments and the Clore Laboratory clock, were instrumental in creating an environment in which students and staff could flourish.
Beyond these tangible contributions, Lord Tanlaw has consistently embodied the values that define Buckingham: independence, intellectual curiosity, and service to the public good. His parliamentary career, his international outlook, and his scholarly interests, particularly in horology, reflect a breadth of perspective that continues to inspire our community.
The conferment recognises Lord Tanlaw’s immense influence on the University’s evolution. His legacy is woven into the identity and fabric of Buckingham, and this ensures it will be recognised formally and enduringly.”

Celebrating Strong Standard in Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Ofsted report

27 March 2026

The Faculty of Education are celebrating achieving ‘Strong Standard’ in their QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) Ofsted inspection report.

The University of Buckingham is one of the largest providers of teacher training in England. This year, 400 students are taking the Qualified Teacher Status apprenticeship levy-funded course alone – much the biggest group in England. The QTS courses are designed for graduates who want to achieve Qualified Teacher Status to be able to teach in Prep, Primary and Secondary schools in England.

The Ofsted inspection report highlighted that, “Trainees flourish because the provider and partner schools maintain highly productive working relationships that strengthen every stage of their training. Trainees learn critical knowledge and skills from the outset of the course”.

From the earliest point of contact with Buckingham, trainees are known as individuals – “They feel ‘Valued as individuals’. Trainees quickly learn to take responsibility for overcoming any barriers to their own learning. This ensures that trainees achieve well, developing the knowledge and skills they need to teach their phase and subject(s) well.”

The report also stated that “Leaders work very well with partners school to create a safe, nurturing and trusting culture in which trainees feel supported throughout their training. As a result, trainees consistently report high levels of satisfaction with their course. Trainees benefit from professional, streamlined processes that are simple to navigate and designed to help them succeed.”

Speaking of this achievement, Professor Barnaby Lenon, CBE, Dean of the Faculty of Education, said:

“We have the best grades of any provider in the UK under the revised Ofsted framework, and this is reflected in the results of the inspection report. We embody the University’s values of academic excellence, innovation and collaboration as we support teachers to develop their identity and refine their teaching styles.”

Education at Buckingham

Education degrees and teacher training courses at Buckingham are amongst the most successful and accessible in the country, with flexible online study options. These attract over 1000 teachers and school leaders each year.

You can view all Education courses at Buckingham to find out more.

Book Publication: International Trade Law Statutes and Conventions 2025-2026

5 March 2026

Book cover: International Trade Law Statutes and Conventions 2025-2026, Indira Carr and Jae Sundaram. Routledge Focus. We are pleased to announce the publication of International Trade Law Statutes and Conventions 2025-2026, co-authored by Dr Jae Sundaram at The University of Buckingham.

Developed in response to feedback from both lecturers and students, the book provides an up-to-date, fully comprehensive collection of current legislation, curated to align with international trade law courses. The information is presented in a student-friendly volume and is ideal for coursework, exam use, and general reference work. It can be used alongside International Trade law Statutes and Convention 2019-21 for a truly comprehensive collection.

Dr Jae Sundaram is a Reader in Trade & Maritime law. A dual-qualified ‘trade and maritime’ lawyer, Jae practised for several years before moving to academia. Jae teaches at both undergraduate and master’s courses, besides undertaking PhD supervision. He has held visiting academic positions in CIIM, Cyprus and University of Rennes, France (Erasmus Professor). Jae’s research interests focus on Maritime law, International Trade/World Trade, etc. Jae’s textbook on world trade law, WTO Law and Policy: A Political Economy Approach published in April 2022, is the first by a British author on the subject of world trade law.

This publication represents an important contribution to contemporary legal scholarship and reflects Jae’s expertise in the field. International Trade Law Statutes and Conventions 2025-2026 is published by Routledge.

Find out more about Buckingham’s Law programmes.

Buckingham welcomes partnership with OpenBright Foundation to support women in Computing

5 March 2026

The University is delighted to announce its official partnership with OpenBright, a registered charity dedicated to supporting women in computing and tech-related research. This collaboration underscores the university’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence in STEM.

OpenBright, established in 2020, awards grants to women currently enrolled at partner universities who are pursuing research projects in computing, software engineering, data science, digital media, artificial intelligence, robotics, and related fields. The aim of these awards is to empower women to explore innovative ideas, develop research expertise and help address the gender imbalance in computing education and careers.

As a partner university, students in the School of Computing at Buckingham will now be eligible to apply for OpenBright Awards, giving them the opportunity to secure funding that supports projects which might otherwise be constrained by limited resources. These grants can help cover project equipment, specialist training, travel, or other research-related costs.

Rashmi Perera, a PhD candidate in Computing, says:

“The opportunity to apply for OpenBright research awards will be incredibly valuable in supporting the development of university-level research and projects in computing and IT-related fields. I’m grateful for its partnership with the university as it will provide meaningful support to students in Computing, enabling us to further develop our projects and grow academically and professionally.”

Elizabeth Molyneux, Founder and Chair of Trustees, says:

“OpenBright is delighted to welcome the School of Computing at The University of Buckingham as a partner university. We recognise that women remain significantly under-represented in computer science research, and our mission aligns perfectly with the University’s commitment to addressing this imbalance. Our Awards provide the vital financial backing that enables female students to lead innovative technical research and overcome the resource barriers that often hinder progress. By supporting these students, we empower them to push the boundaries of their fields and help shape a more diverse and representative future for the UK’s tech sector.”

Professor Harin Sellahewa, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Law and Psychology, says:

“We are proud to join OpenBright’s network of partner universities. This partnership aligns with our strategic goals to foster a diverse and inclusive environment in computing and STEM. By supporting aspiring women researchers, we’re helping to cultivate the next generation of innovators and leaders.”

OpenBright’s mission is not only to provide financial support but to celebrate, showcase and elevate the research contributions of women in computing, ultimately helping to diversify tech sectors and strengthen innovation across the UK.

This partnership will take immediate effect, with eligible students encouraged to review the application criteria and timelines published on the OpenBright website.