Prof Gopal is a distinguished academic and Head of the Department of Criminology and Forensic Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. With nearly four decades of experience in education, criminology, and research, she has established herself as a leading scholar in gender-based violence, school violence, cybercrime, peace and security, and illicit drug use.

She has served in several senior leadership roles, including Acting Director of Teaching and Learning in the College of Humanities, Academic Leader for Research and Higher Degrees, and Acting Dean and Head of School. Her contributions extend to university governance, where she has held influential positions on the UKZN Council, Staffing Committees, Finance Committees, and Transformation Task Teams.

Prof Gopal’s research record includes numerous publications, book chapters, and international collaborations, particularly within BRICS academic circles. Her work has informed public policy, community interventions, and national dialogues on crime, safety, and social justice. She is also a sought-after media commentator, contributing expert analysis across national television, radio, and print media on matters ranging from policing and cybersecurity to gender-based violence and crime trends.

Her excellence has been recognised through multiple awards, including Top 10 and Top 30 Researcher accolades, Best Paper Awards, and long-service recognition from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Through her scholarship, leadership, and public engagement, Prof Gopal continues to shape criminological thought and advance social justice in South Africa and the broader Global South.