Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics appoints new director

• Dr Krzysztof Kredens, a reader in forensic linguistics at the University, took up the position on 1 August 2024
• The move comes after founding director, Professor Tim Grant, announced he was stepping down
• Dr Nicci MacLeod, who completed her PhD at the university in 2006, has been promoted to deputy director.

The Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics (AIFL) has announced the appointment of Dr Krzysztof Kredens as its new director.

Dr Kredens is a reader in forensic linguistics and was one of the three founding members of the Centre for Forensic Linguistics (CFL), the predecessor to AIFL, when he joined Aston University in 2007.

He takes over the role vacated by fellow founding member of the Centre and latterly Institute, Professor Tim Grant, who steps down after five years as AIFL Director, and another six as CFL director prior to that.

Dr Nicci MacLeod has been appointed as deputy director, with both commencing their new roles on 1 August 2024.

Dr MacLeod is a senior lecturer in forensic linguistics and has been involved with the subject at the University since beginning her PhD in 2006. She has been programme director for the MA Forensic Linguistics since 2022.

The mission of AIFL is to improve the delivery of justice through the analysis of language. Its experts study forensic texts and contexts producing academically rigorous, high impact research using insights and methods from diverse areas of linguistics to achieve this mission.

Dr Kredens said:

“I am delighted to be taking up the role of director at the Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics.

“On behalf of the Institute, I would like to thank Professor Tim Grant for his service as CFL/AIFL Director. His leadership over the years has been invaluable and his impact has been profound.

“While he will be stepping down from his role, he will continue to share his expertise and experience and keep contributing to AIFL and the University in other capacities.

Dr MacLeod said:

“It has been a genuine privilege to work under Tim’s Directorship, and we look forward to his continuing involvement with AIFL for many years to come. Having been involved with forensic linguistics at Aston University for the past eighteen years, I am thrilled to take on this new role and excited to continue this important work.

Professor Grant said:

“Being Director of AIFL has been the highlight and privilege of my career so far, and deciding to step back one of the biggest decisions.

I’m delighted with the appointment of Krzysztof and Nicci as director and deputy director, and excited to see where they take AIFL next.”