News / UWE Bristol
UWE Bristol manager awarded MBE for school cyber security initiative
A manager at UWE Bristol, who founded a cyber security initiative for young people, has been recognised in the most recent King’s Honours list.
Elaine Brown, schools outreach manager at the university and founder of the Unlock Cyber initiative, has been awarded an MBE in the Birthday Honours of King Charles III for her contributions to education and cyber security.
Launched in 2018, Unlock Cyber engages secondary school and college students across the South West in interactive events and activities designed to spark interest in cyber security careers.
is needed now More than ever
The programme is supported by major employers including BT, Nationwide, Microsoft, and the Police Cyber Crime Unit.
Unlock Cyber engages secondary school and college students across the region in interactive events
Each year, two major events are hosted at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus. Later this month, 400 pupils aged 12–14 from 30 schools will take part in 12 employer-led activities.
Brown was inspired to launch the initiative after hearing concerns from the industry about a global shortage of cyber skills.
With limited cyber content in school curricula at the time, the goal was to introduce young people to hands-on problem-solving tasks and inspire them to consider careers in the field.
Since its inception, demand for the programme has continued to grow, with schools already signing up for events in 2026.
The scheme also received a recognition at Tech South West Awards in 2024.
Commenting on her award, Elaine said she was honoured and surprised to receive the recognition, and credited the success of Unlock Cyber to the strong support of partner organisations.
She said: “I was approached by representatives from the cyber industry saying there was a global skills shortage in cyber and that demand was increasing. It was clear that unless we developed a talent pipeline, we wouldn’t have people in the UK to rely on for these important roles.
“Employers were keen to create activities they could deliver to schools, at a time when the curriculum involved very little cyber. We wanted to excite and inspire young people aged 12 upwards to come along and find out what cyber security was all about. The employers created hands-on problem-solving activities for the pupils to try.
“We’ve built on it since 2018 and the demand from schools is increasing year on year. We’ve already got schools from across the region registering for our events in January and June 2026.”
Speaking about the royal recognition, Elaine said: “It was such a surprise and honour to be recognised for doing something that I am so passionate about. It is also an acknowledgement to all the incredible people in our partner organisations who we work with that enable Unlock Cyber to be successful.”
With limited cyber content in school curricula at the time, the goal was to introduce young people to hands-on problem-solving tasks and inspire them to consider careers in the field
Phil Legg, professor of Cyber Security at UWE Bristol, said: “Elaine’s work on developing the Unlock Cyber programme at UWE has been instrumental for growing schools’ outreach across the region in cyber security.
“Unlock Cyber as a regional network has also facilitated ways for UWE to support and upskill teachers in cyber education whilst developing deeper collaborations with regional industry across outreach, education and research.
“I am immensely proud of the work that Elaine has achieved in the growth and recognition of the Unlock Cyber programme at UWE. This award is very much a testament to her commitment to improve the opportunities available for the next generation.”
All photos: UWE Bristol
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