Dr Sarah Jane Fox

Dr Sarah Jane Fox is a practitioner-academic who has held senior management roles, external to and within higher education – including as the Head of Department and as the director of various research institutes. She first commenced her career (outside of academia) in transport movements and mobility, and in law enforcement and has extensively been involved in policy developments and governance which has included transport, mobility and movements; policing and the police; sustainability; security and defence.

Dr Fox is internationally recognised for her expertise relating to physical modes and systems (by land, sea, air and in, into and within space) and virtual aspects such as digital and evolving AI technologies, which includes the implications of (cyber) space use and developments. She has contributed to expert groups and discussions at the United Nations (UN) for over 10-years on evolving technologies, the linkage to the SDG’s and the need for adequate governance. Since 2024, she has been an expert contributor to the Cities of the Future initiative and the impact of AI. And, in 2024, she was acknowledged for her work, by the UN, relating to building peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG’s 16 and 17).

Dr Fox is also globally recognised for her expertise relating to autonomous systems, particularly aviation (UAS) drones. In 2015/2016 she received the distinguished Fulbright Commission award to research in the U.S. for 12-months across the areas of aviation/UAS and outer space. This was also co-supported by Lloyd’s of London. Sarah Jane has been invited to present her research findings and policy initiatives across the globe, including at the United Nations (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA); The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); ITU; WSIS; the EU; the Council of Europe and various civil aviation and transport authorities. She remains a leading adviser to various government bodies – across transport (road and aviation), policing and the impact of emerging technologies (in the physical and virtual space). She is a listed expert for the EU/UK Parliament and a group leader for a Europol body (which extends across transport/mobility technology, and law/police aspects).

Dr Fox also sits as an adviser/member of the International Advisory Committee of the International Commission on Cyber Security Law and is a Member of the Editorial Board for the related journal. Dr Fox is a mentor to the UN on gender equality/mainstreaming and access to education/employment and technologies.

Other highlights:

• Currently - Associate Director for the Institute for Digital Culture
• Previously - Associate Professor: Law and Policing 
• Head of Law and Criminology (across Law and Justice/Criminology) 
• The Director of the Centre of Professional Policing (CoPP).
• Together with her co-Director, she also launched the Online Harms and Cyber Crime (research) Unit (OHCCU) – at the House of Lords. 
• Deputy Director for the research Institute for Connected Communities (ICC). 
• Established the ‘Tri-Com’ initiative, alongside the ‘Pathways into Policing’ and Community Action: ‘Promoting Partnerships to Problem Solve’ (CAPPs) which was supported by the Metropolitan Police Service and the Mayor of London.

Dr Fox’s research is across law/policy/strategy but is also multidisciplinary. Her research crosses physical and virtual movements with much of her current research focussing on technology (challenges and opportunities) and society. This includes transport modes and autonomous systems – such as drones (UAV-UAS) transport safety and security (road and air) space use (law and policy); cyber perpetration and penetration and evolution/revolution (societal acceptance and anthropology). In 2015-16, she achieved funding (12-months) from the Fulbright Commission to research in the US, which related to aviation/UAV’s/space and included policing/security/risk aspects. Sarah Jane has worked on a number of EU projects relating to transport modes/systems (road; air; maritime) and she has also consulted on a number of projects including: the Christie reform (policing revisions); Lord Shipley’s (transport connectivity); and more broadly, safety/security/accessibility/risks – challenges & opportunities relating to transport (and movements). This has included recently autonomous systems - e.g. including Future Flight Challenge(s) ant AI governance. Sarah Jane has also undertaken projects relating to vulnerabilities and, security/terrorism in the critical infrastructure.

Research areas:

• Strategy, law, policy and geopolitics
• Movements - including across borders/boundaries (physical/virtual)
• Autonomous vehicles/systems – including, UAV/UAS and road/water modes
• Aviation & Space - Air Law/Space Law and Policies (including UAV/UAS)
• Technology, cyber-systems, AI, social acceptance, contemporary challenges 
• Other transport law and policy areas/modes
• Safety, security and (counter) terrorism
• Transport (extensive: including – safer/secure roads, driver training, offences, intelligent solutions, etc.)
• Sustainability (economic, social, environmental factors and the SDG’s)
• Criminal Law, criminal justice and policing (including professional standards and ethics)

• Fox SJ, ‘A Society for All Ages? Older People – Technology & Rights!’ (forthcoming 2026–27)
• Fox SJ, ‘A Paradox of Virtues? Advancing Air Mobility – Economic vs Security Protections’ (2026) 25 Issues in Aviation Law & Policy 311
• Fox SJ, ‘The Evolving “Space” in the EU: A Circular Journey’ (2024) 48 Annals of Air and Space Law
• Fox SJ, ‘Drones – Painting the Skies Green!’ (2024) 24 Issues in Aviation Law & Policy 191
• Fox SJ, ‘Space “Tourism”: A Framework for Ensuring “Safe and Orderly Development” – Lessons Learnt from the US and Aviation’ (2024) Journal of Air Law and Commerce
• Fox SJ, ‘A Blueprint for the Carriage of Passengers . . . into Space (Lessons Learnt!)’ (2023) 23 Issues in Aviation Law & Policy
• Fox SJ, ‘The UK’s “Appetite” for Space: An Increased Craving!’ (2023) 88(4) Journal of Air Law and Commerce
• Fox SJ, ‘Road Safety – A Global Emergency: The EU Direction of Travel (in the COVID-19 Era)’ (2023) 10 European Journal of Comparative Law and Governance 47–80
• Fox SJ, ‘Roam Like At Home! – The Mobile Phone and the EU Consumer Market’ (2022) 27(2) Communications Law 58–76
• Fox SJ, ‘Drones: Foreseeing . . . a “Risky” Business? Policing the Challenge that Flies Above’ (2022) 71 Technology in Society
• Fox SJ, ‘Exploiting – Land, Sea and Space: “Mineral Superpower” in the Name of Peace: A Critical Race to Protect the Depths and Heights’ (2022) 79 Resources Policy
• Fox SJ, ‘Securing the “Space” Above Us: Reflections on the Past – to Consider Tomorrow’s Challenges . . . Today’ (2022) 22(1) Issues in Aviation Law & Policy 35–65
• Fox SJ, ‘Evolution: Police Cooperation in the EU’ (2021) 8 European Journal of Comparative Law and Governance 396–428
• Fox SJ, ‘Past Attacks, Future Risks: Where Are We 20-Years After 9/11?’ (2021) 14(3) Journal of Strategic Security 112–157
• Fox SJ, ‘Past Events: In Hindsight! 20 Years After – 9/11’ (2021) 21(1) Issues in Aviation Law & Policy 85–122
• Fox SJ, ‘The Nexus between Resources and Criminal Activities: “Recycling Crimes” (Metals)’ (2021) 74 Resources Policy 102377
• Fox SJ and Martín-Domingo L, ‘EU Passengers’ Rights Past, Present, and Future: Evaluation and Case Study’ (2020) 85 Journal of Air Law and Commerce
• Fox SJ, ‘Policing Mining: In Outer-Space Greed and Domination vs Peace and Equity: A Governance for Humanity!’ (2020) 64 Resources Policy 101517
• Fox SJ, ‘The “Risk” of Disruptive Technology Today (A Case Study of Aviation – Enter the Drone)’ (2020) Technology in Society
• Fox SJ, ‘Tracking the Position: Global Satellite Navigations in Europe. Expanding Man’s Understanding. “GALILEO: 2020!”’ (2020) 25(4) Communications Law 191–208
• Fox SJ, ‘Policing: Monitoring, Investigating and Prosecuting: Drones’ (2019) 6 European Journal of Comparative Law and Governance 1–57
• Fox SJ, ‘Positioning the Drone: Policing the Risky Skies’ (2019) 18(2) Issues in Aviation Law & Policy 295–332
• Fox SJ and Martin-Domingo L, ‘EU Enforcement Mechanisms: Passenger Rights EC Regulation 261/2004’ (2019) 43 Annals of Air and Space Law 167–202
• Fox SJ, ‘Policing Aviation and Keeping Peace: Intelligence-Fed Security’ (2019) 36(1) International Journal on World Peace 63–92
• Fox SJ and Ismail R, ‘The Skies the Limit! – Open Skies with Limitations’ (2017) 4 European Journal of Comparative Law and Governance 7–42
• Fox SJ and Ismail R, ‘The Skies the Limit! Collaborating to Open the Skies with China – Challenges and Opportunities’ (2017) 4 European Journal of Comparative Law and Governance 387–422
• Fox SJ, ‘The Rise of the Drones: Framework and Governance – Why Risk It!’ (2017) 82 Journal of Air Law and Commerce 683–715
• Fox SJ, ‘Borderless Skies! Sovereign Dominance, Regionalism: Lessons from Europe’ (2017) 34(4) International Journal on World Peace 9–41
• Fox SJ, ‘Mobility and Movement Are “Our” Fundamental Rights: Safety & Security – Risk, Choice & Conflict!’ (2017) 17(1) Issues in Aviation Law & Policy 7–43
• Fox SJ and Ismail R, ‘ASEAN Open Skies – Aviation Development in 2015: “Blue or Cloudy Skies?”’ (2016) 40 Annals of Air and Space Law 607–654
• Fox SJ, ‘Single European Skies: Functional Airspace Blocks: Delays and Responses’ (2016) 41(3) Air and Space Law 201–228
• Fox SJ, ‘Aligning (EU) Policies: A Flying Reform in Higher Education – The Development of Aviation Professionals’ (2016) 3(1) International Journal of Aviation Management
• Fox SJ, ‘Space: The Race for Mineral Rights. “The Sky Is No Longer the Limit.” Lessons from Earth’ (2016) 49 Resources Policy 165–178
• Fox SJ, ‘Flying Challenges for the Future: Aviation Preparedness – in the Face of Cyber-Terrorism’ (2016) 9(3) Journal of Transportation Security 191–218
• Fox SJ, ‘Brexit: A Bolt from the Blue! – Red Sky in the Morning?’ (2016) 16(1) Issues in Aviation Law & Policy 83–119
• Fox SJ, ‘Green and Level Playing Fields: A Paradox of Virtues. Dumping – Anti-Competitiveness’ (2016) 5(4) International Journal of Public Law and Policy 333–367
• Fox SJ, ‘“CONTEST”ing Chicago. Origins and Reflections: Lest We Forget!’ (2015) 8(1) International Journal of Private Law 73–98
• Fox SJ, ‘To Practice Justice and Right – International Aviation Liability: Have Lessons Been Learnt?’ (2015) 5(2) International Journal of Public Law and Policy 162–182
• Fox SJ, ‘Safety & Security: The Influence of 9/11 to the EU Framework’ (2014) 45 Research in Transportation Economics 24–33
• Fox SJ, ‘The Evolution of Aviation: In Times of War and Peace – Blood Tears and Salvation!’ (2014) 31(4) International Journal on World Peace 49–79
• Fox SJ, ‘Following Carbon Footprints’ (2011) 13 FOCUS (CILT) 11

Policing Insight publications

• Fox SJ, ‘Virtual and Physical Abuse of Women and Girls: There’s #NoExcuse’ (2025) Policing Insight
• Fox SJ, ‘Rights, Equality and Empowerment: The Roots of Women in Policing – from Volunteering to Inclusion?’ (2025) Policing Insight
• Fox SJ, ‘International Women’s Day: Investing in Equality – a Review of Policing’ (2024) Policing Insight
• Fox SJ, ‘International Women’s Day 2023: Gender Equality in Policing, Innovation and Technology’ (2023) Policing Insight
• Fox SJ, ‘#NoExcuse: Spotlighting 30 Years of Under Investment in Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls’ (2023) Policing Insight
• Fox SJ, ‘International Women’s Day: Women in Policing – the Power to Empower’ (2022) Policing Insight
• Fox SJ, ‘UNiTE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls’ (2022) Policing Insight
• Fox SJ, ‘International Women’s Day: Imagine a Gender Equal World’ (2022) Policing Insight
• Fox SJ, ‘Recognition Regardless of Role: Celebrating Public Service Day 2021’ (2021) Policing Insight
• Fox SJ, ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: “Let’s Orange the World”’ (2021) Policing Insight

Book chapters

• Fox SJ, ‘The EU’s Direction of Air Travel – Charting the Flight Plan: To Realise a “Droning” Ambition’ in Future Flight Governance: Socio-Legal, Environmental and Economic Approaches (Taylor & Francis 2026)
• Fox SJ, ‘UN-Outer Space Treaty: The Magna Carta for Mining?’ in Space Mining (Springer 2026)
• Fox SJ, ‘National Approaches to Space – Resources & Mining!’ in Space Mining (Springer 2026)

Previous institution links

• Coventry University Research Output
• Middlesex University Repository
• University of East London
• Researchgate
• Scopus Reference

Commissioned publications

• Springer group and Etrasa: Numerous 2002-2009: Approx. 8-10 publications (Spanish Government: Ministerio Del Interior - related)

ORCID reference: 0000-0002-5317-4982

Dr Fox has supervised a vast number of students to completion across various law/policy/management areas.

Specialist supervision areas:

• AI - in a policing context
• AI - relating to transport modes and systems
• AI - in tomorrow's cities
• AI - risks and opportunities
• AI - legal approaches and governance/jurisdictions
• AI - the EU/UN/UK approaches
• Aviation: Air Law and Policies/Politics (including UAV's)
• Space: Law, Policies and Politics; space developments; sustainability and commercialisation (e.g. mining, satellites; space travel etc.).
• Security and Terrorism: particularly related to transport (e.g. aviation and 9/11) and space, cyber, and open spaces)
• Mobility, Movement and Transport (aviation/road/(outer) space); Autonomous and Connected Systems; Communications, and virtual movements (law/policies: EU/International/UK and other jurisdictions)
• Space: defence; European Space Agency; UKSA; NASA; etc.
• Emerging Technologies and Societal Challenges
• Risk (challenges and opportunities)
• International policing and security
• Policing/Criminology/Crime and Criminal/related police Laws and Policies including organised crime, cyber-crime; cross border elements and data sharing
• Migration, Home affairs, and Rights (equality)
• Shipping laws (mining and interdictions)
• Sustainability and the SDG’s

Undergraduate

• EU Law
• Foundations of Law
• Law in the Age of AI

Postgraduate

• LW7025 Introduction to International Space Law
• LW7086 Commercialising Space

• The future of transport/mobility: Aviation/UAV’s/other transport and autonomous systems
• (Outer) space law and policies
• Mining in space
• Safety/security in transport (physical/virtual applications)
• AI and evolving technologies – Equality, Justice, Ethics and governance
•  Policing evolving technologies
• Future of policing
• Sustainability and the SDG’s

• Distinguished Fulbright post-doctoral professorial scholar (2015-2016) – supported also by Lloyd’s of London
• Board Member of the International Advisory Committee of the International Commission on Cyber Security Law
• Board Member - Lloyd’s of London – LTRF Trustee (Research-Charity)
• Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) – adviser
• Vice-President - Institute of Driver Education Research (IDER)
• Director – Online Harms and Cyber Crime Unit (OHCCU)
• Adviser to UK (Select) and EU Parliaments – Transport (movement)
• UN (Mentor) – Gender Mainstreaming (ICT’s and Technology advocate)

Visiting Professor

• US: DePaul University, Chicago
• India: Visiting Professor/Adviser - GD Goenka University | Cyberlaw University

Memberships to Professional bodies

• SFHEA – Senior Fellow Advance
• FCMI – Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute
• FCILT – Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport
• MCIHT – Member of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation
• Member of the Institute of Transport Managers
• MEALA – European Aviation Law Association
• EU – Air and Seaports (Policing)
• Member of the Society of Evidence Based Policing (SEBP)
• Member College of Policing – Full Police Membership

(For consultancy work see above in research)

• Fulbright Commission | Lloyd’s of London
• Services to policing

Since 2020

United Nations

• Cyberlaw, Cybercrime & Cybersecurity: Expert Panel and Presentation (challenges in a Covid-19 environment. 13 July 2020
• Ava Good Life: Cybercrimes in 2020 – New Avatars and Approaches. 26 November, 2020
• Goodbye 2020 ….. Hello 2021 - Cyber Attacks Post Advent of Coronavirus – Impact, Challenges & Responses. 27 November, 2020
• Europol – Law and Policing Challenges – UAV’s (14, April, 2021): expert - keynote speaker
• NISSMAT International - Misuse of Technology Impact on Privacy of Users, (expert - keynote speaker), 19 August, 2021
• India: Judge for the 2^nd GDGU International Virtual Law and Technology Mooting Competition. 28-29 August, 2021
• World Border Security: Drugs and Smuggling – The risk of drones….. yesterday, today and tomorrow, (expert – keynote speaker) 14 October 2021
• Plenary Session on Cryptocurrency; Regulations and Challenges and at the Valedictory session – International Conference (India) on Law and Technology. 29 December 2021.

International Conference on Cyberlaw, Cybercrime and Cybersecurity (India) – Nov, 2021

• Key Speech (opening ceremony) Technological misuse (…. with criminal intent)

plus:

• Who’s watching me, watching you? Balancing: technology; security and privacy
• Did you hear me? Can I say that? Free Speech on the Internet

2022

• UN (Geneva) – Speaker: Thematic Workshop entitled “Round Table on Cyberlaw, Cybercrime & Cybersecurity” – 26 April, 2022
• EU – 30 November – 1^st December 2022 Presentation: Looking Up. The Sky and Beyond – today and in the future
• UN (United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs) – Presentation at the United Nations International Meeting on the Applications of Global Navigation Satellite Systems 5-9 December 2022

2023: United Nations

• 17 and 19 April: UN Office of Drugs and Crime Round Table event - on Cybercrime And Technical Assistance & Cyber Challenges and (criminal) Risks (including the lack of legislation).
• 4 May: UN-ITU: in relation to the Metaverse, Cyber Security & Cybercrime
• 15 May - UN-ITU: Cyber trends and challenges
• 4 May – Sarah Jane had the prestigious honour of being accepted and then organising and leading an UN (ITU) event, entitled: 'Working together to sustain our future - what space has to offer and how we protect it' 

PhD and Masters (LLM distinction): Law (Policy)