Dr Louise Reader

Louise Reader is an academic with a commercial background in the IT Industry, specialising in product, project and business management. Her academic expertise focuses on socio-technical challenges including social aspects of cyber-risk, resilience, and hte strategic integration of artificial intelligence in organisations, with an emphasis on the psychology of decision making. Her research extends into social responsibility, and community impact in the context of SMEs primarily. 

She has a strong track record in curriculum innovation, having developed the BA (Hons) BUsiness Management programme with pathway options, which became the institutions highest-enrolling undergraduate course (2019-2024). She has led the validation of four new degree apprenticeships (2025), and designed multiple applied learning modules, including those involving live client projects. 

Her ongoing work spans research, knowledge exchange, and enterprise activity aligned with her areas of interest.

Louise has engaged in research examining socio-technical challenges with risk and security, specifically cyber risk. She has been involved in research and projects that have enabled her to offer support for businesses in areas such as the introduction of GDPR, and cyber risk management. As an active member of the BSI (British Standards Institute) Risk Committee Louise has participated in the (ongoing) development of BS31111 - a new British Standard to support cyber risk management, and the review of related ISO standards.

Alongside, Louise has pursued research examining the relationship between businesses and the communities in which they operate for her doctoral research. Nearing completion Louise has plans to further this work and its related outputs post doctorate. She is open to building networks with other academics and practitioners in her fields of itnerest. To date Louise has provided business training and awareness programs, and works with business partners and networks to provide advice and support.