Profile
Ethem Ilbiz
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About Me:
Hi there! I’m a senior researcher at the University of South Wales. I live in a beautiful seaside town of Barry, a place you might recognise from the TV series “Gavin and Stacey”—it’s’s where the show was filmed!
When the weather is nice, you can often find me swimming and running on Barry Island Beach. It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy the stunning views!
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Before becoming a researcher at the University of South Wales, I had an exciting and challenging career as a senior police officer in Türkiye for over twenty years. During that time, I worked in various police investigation units, including forensics and counter-terrorism. My main responsibility was to ensure public safety, a role that was both demanding and rewarding.
Now, I’ve shifted gears and am thrilled to be working on research projects about artificial intelligence, online platforms, and cybercrime. It’s fascinating to explore how technology intersects with criminal activity and to find new ways to combat these modern threats.
Outside of work, I’m a huge Formula 1 fan and a dedicated supporter of the Red Bull Team. Although I’m not a big fan of Max Verstappen’s snobby attitude, I have to admit that his talent on the track is incredible and deserves respect.
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My pronouns are:
He/Him
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My Work:
I have a wide range of research interests that keep me constantly curious and excited about my work. Some of the key areas I focus on include the regulation of artificial intelligence and exploring how AI can both aid and challenge criminal activities. I’m particularly interested in finding solutions to these problems by fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.
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The Internet is an amazing tool for staying in touch with friends and shopping for things you need. However, it’s also a place where crime groups can operate anonymously, which is a growing concern. With new artificial intelligence models making it easier for criminals to exploit technology, it’s clear that we need to find ways to regulate artificial intelligence. The challenge is to do this without stifling innovation.
Police forces face significant challenges in identifying and catching criminals online. They often lack enough experts, advanced computers, and specialised programs. Additionally, it can be difficult to determine if an activity was generated by AI, adding another layer of complexity to their work.
To address these issues, police departments need support from private companies like Google, OpenAI, and Meta. Effective collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential. This is where my research comes in. I’m examining online platforms designed to facilitate interaction between police departments and private companies. My goal is to determine whether these online platforms truly enhance partnerships and resource sharing or if they fall short.
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My Typical Day:
My day starts early in the morning with a hearty breakfast. I kick off my workday by checking and replying to emails. If I’m not teaching that day, I dive into research and work on writing manuscripts. Additionally, I have administrative responsibilities at the university, so a significant portion of my time is spent on desk-based tasks.
On weekends, I love to get outside. If the weather is nice, you can find me gardening or tackling other house-related projects. It’s a great way to relax and recharge.
One of the most exciting aspects of my job is attending international conferences. Traveling around the world to present my research allows me to meet new people, explore new places, and share my findings with a global audience. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with others in my field and stay inspired.
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Sometimes, I have the opportunity to talk with experts who know more about cybercrime than I do. I listen carefully and take detailed notes on what they share. Once I’ve gathered enough information, I write articles and eventually turn these articles into books. Sharing my knowledge is very important to me, so I also make sure to communicate what I’ve learned with people at the university, police officers, private company employees, and even kids like you.
I enjoy answering questions and helping others understand complicated topics. My research project is dedicated to helping police departments fight against cybercrime, with the ultimate goal of making our world a safer and better place.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I’m excited to share that I’ll be using the prize I’ve received to produce an animated video for my research project. This video will serve as an engaging and accessible way to showcase the findings and importance of my work. Whether you’re a student, a fellow researcher, or simply curious about cybercrime and law enforcement, you’ll be able to find the video on YouTube. I hope it will provide a clear and entertaining understanding of the complexities of my research and its significance in making our world a safer place.
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Education:
My educational journey has taken me on a fascinating adventure across different countries and fields of study. It all started at Police High School in Türkiye, where I began learning the basics of law enforcement.
After that, I continued my studies at the Turkish National Police Academy, graduating in 2001. There, I gained a solid understanding of how to keep communities safe and secure.
In 2008, I decided to explore the world of international security by pursuing a master’s degree in Türkiye. It was an exciting time of learning about how countries work together to maintain peace and safety.
Then, in 2010, I took a big leap and traveled to the United Kingdom to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham. For four years, I worked hard on my research, focusing on politics and international relations. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience!
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Work History:
My journey in law enforcement began in Türkiye, where I started my career as a police officer. Throughout my time in the force, I had the opportunity to work in various departments, each offering unique challenges and experiences.
I started at the Police Station, where I learned the ropes of daily police work and helped keep communities safe. From there, I moved on to the Crime Analysis Bureau, where I used data and analysis to understand and prevent crime.
Next, I worked at the Forensic Science Laboratory, where I got to explore the fascinating world of forensic science and help solve crimes using evidence and technology.
I also had the incredible opportunity to serve in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo, where I worked alongside international partners to promote peace and stability in the region.
Finally, I was involved in counter-terrorism efforts, where I worked tirelessly to protect innocent lives and prevent acts of terror.
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Current Job:
Currently, I’m a senior research fellow at the University of South Wales, where I have a pretty cool job! I get to do both research and teaching.
In my teaching role, I teach cyber governance courses to postgraduate students. It’s all about helping them understand how technology and laws intersect to keep our online world safe and fair.
But that’s not all—I also get to supervise master’s and doctoral students. It’s like being a mentor, guiding them as they develop their own scientific skills and pursue their academic dreams.
So yeah, I get to wear a lot of hats, but I love every minute of it!
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Cybercrime-fighting researcher
What did you want to be after you left school?
Entrepreneur
Were you ever in trouble at school?
In my journey through school, I faced occasional challenges, but I always viewed them as opportunities for personal growth and learning.
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Software Developer
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Coldplay.
What's your favourite food?
Burger.
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Non-stop adventures, loads of charm, and tons of time for amazing vacations!
Tell us a joke.
What do you call an alligator detective? An investi-gator.
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