Helen Innes
Cardiff University
Welsh Crucible 2026
Helen obtained her BSc in Experimental Psychology at Sussex University, followed by an MSc in Social Research Methods and a PhD on health inequalities at the University of Surrey based on survey analysis. Since 2009, she has conducted research at Cardiff University’s Security Crime and Intelligence Innovation Institute (SCIII), where she is now a Senior Research Fellow. Her current research, funded by the ESRC, uses digital methods to analyse the mechanisms of foreign state information operations through the international IMITATE3 project. Previously, Helen led a nudge theory behaviour change trial for the Metropolitan Police to refine crime prevention strategies and was co-author of the book Neighbourhood Policing, drawing on empirical research conducted as part of the Institute’s long track record in evidence-based policing. Helen is eager to bridge the gap between social science and other disciplines, specifically to explore creative responses to real world challenges.