Lancaster University partners with schools, colleges, and industry to deliver inspiring outreach events to bring cyber and technology to life - sparking curiosity and future careers.
Lancaster University hosted students for Lancashire Cyber Festival Education Week to help them learn about the pathways into cyber careers. More than 100 Lancashire college and sixth form students visited Lancaster University to experience first-hand what a high-tech career in Lancashire’s evolving cyber ecosystem could look like.
Students from Lancaster & Morecambe College came to Lancaster University for an engaging day of cyber-themed activities, including encryption challenges and hands-on robotic arm programming. The visit provided valuable insight into university life and computing pathways, sparking curiosity, enthusiasm, and new perspectives on coding and problem-solving.
Lancaster University welcomed students from Blackpool Sixth, Blackpool & The Fylde College, and Lancaster & Morecambe College for Lancashire Cyber Festival Education Week 2025. Students took part in interactive activities, including a cyber escape room, encryption and Morse code challenges, and a cyber entrepreneurship game, gaining hands-on insight into careers in Lancashire’s growing cyber industry. Led by Dr Sophie James and Dr Isobelle Clarke, the day emphasised teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation, culminating in a capture-the-flag competition showcasing local student cyber talent.
The National Cyber Force, in partnership with IN4 Group and Lancaster University’s Cyber Security team, hosted a hackathon for CyberFirst Bursary and STEM university students from across the North West. Students tested their technical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills by designing secure smart-home solutions to address evolving cyber threats. The event included a panel with industry experts and a lunch-and-learn on quantum encryption and AI, providing students with insight into the future of cyber defence and showcasing emerging talent in the field.
Lancaster University welcomed 50 pupils from Fleetwood High, Carnforth High, Cartmel Priory C of E, and The Lakes School for this Cyber Girls First event, offering a hands-on introduction to cyber security and coding. Students tackled Caesar Ciphers, a cyber LEGO challenge, and other real-world tech activities, while student ambassadors led campus tours and showcased the University's state-of-the-art facilities. The event inspired the students to explore careers in cyber and computer science, highlighting opportunities in technology and encouraging the next generation of cyber and security professionals.
Lancaster University participated in TeenTech Lancashire, a one-day STEM festival engaging Year 8 and 9 students with innovation, creativity, and technology. Students explored three themed zones - Innovation, Insight, and Challenge, with Lancaster hosting a cyber security entrepreneurship game in the Challenge Zone, led by Dr Anna Dyson and Professor Dan Prince. Five schools took part, with students developing solutions to real-world challenges. The event inspired creativity, problem-solving, and interest in technology, highlighting opportunities for young people to explore careers in cyber and STEM fields.
As part of the Lancashire Cyber Festival, Lancaster University invited IoT students to take part in tailored activities, including a Welcome to Lancaster talk by Fred Binley and the HexVenture activity led by Anna Dyson and Chris Lowerson. Students also joined the festival’s keynote sessions and a roundtable on future opportunities in cyber and tech across Lancashire. The event provided insights, inspiration, and practical experience, reinforcing the University’s commitment to preparing and educating students for careers in the rapidly evolving cyber field.
Lancaster University hosted a guest lecture by Paul Withers, a Royal Air Force officer with over 30 years’ experience in cyber operations and intelligence. Drawing on real-world case studies, including the conflict in Ukraine, Paul explored how cyber operations shape cognitive outcomes and information confrontation, introducing an analytical framework covering effects, intentions, integration, and timing. Currently pursuing a PhD at King’s College London, he offered deep insights into complex cyber challenges. This inaugural lecture launched Lancaster’s new Cyber Lecture Series.
Chris Lowerson and Kate Jenkinson attended the CyberFirst Regional Knowledge Share in Cheltenham, a day focused on creativity, collaboration, and cyber innovation. Highlights included regional programmes like Ignite Bootcamp and CyberFirst Horizons, interactive activities such as the HexVenture board game and Cyber Heist Briefcase, and university partnerships aligning learning pathways with accreditation. Sharing HexVenture demonstrated how gamified learning can inspire the next generation of cyber talent, and showcased the strength of regional collaboration in shaping the future of cyber education.
Kimberley Edwards, Widening Participation Officer at Lancaster University, engaged with students and parents during Confirmation and Clearing at Tauheedul Islam Boys' High School. Her efforts helped two more students consider Lancaster for 2025 entry, contributing to a total of 11 students planning to join - a 67% increase on 2024. This initiative is part of Lancaster’s ongoing partnership with Star Academies colleges, supporting cyber initiatives, widening participation, and inspiring students to pursue higher education.
Lancaster University hosted the CyberFirst Advanced course, in collaboration with QinetiQ as part of a Hub and Spoke Delivery model.Twenty students aged 16–18 from Winstanley College, TIGHS, TIBHS, Blackpool Sixth, and Lancaster Girls’ Grammar explored digital forensics, encryption, OSINT, and penetration testing. Activities included campus tours, a DIS demonstration, and LU’s Encryption and Bot or Not AI detection games.
70 students, six colleges, one inspiring day at Lancaster University. From interactive demos to creative challenges, the Cyber Girls First event ignited curiosity and showcased the incredible potential of the next generation of women in cyber.
Students from Queen Katherine School enjoyed a day filled with discovery, challenge, and hands-on immersion into the world of cyber security. The event offered an inspiring blend of academic insight and practical problem-solving, and the students embraced every moment.
A Hexventure training session introduced attendees to the cyber-themed, game-based learning tool through an engaging, hands-on workshop. Attendees explored ways to adapt Hexventure for different audiences - for academic teaching, staff training, outreach events, and organisational development work.
Paul Foster delivered a guest lecture on Operation CRONOS, the international cybercrime investigation targeting the notorious LockBit ransomware group; a disruption led by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Lancaster University hosted BSides Lancashire, a community-driven cyber security event featuring technical talks, an innovation village, and a careers village, concluding with the legendary Cyber House Party. The event championed inclusion, diversity, and career growth, bringing together participants from novice to expert levels. Delegates explored emerging research, exchanged professional insights, and gained inspiration from industry speakers, creating opportunities for collaboration and engagement across the wider cyber security community.
Hackademia marked Lancaster University’s first student-led cyber security conference, organised by the Lancaster University Hacking Club (LUHack) with the University’s ACE-CSE. Held in the West Pavilion of the Management School, the event welcomed students, professionals, and industry representatives to explore ethical hacking in a safe, collaborative environment. Participants engaged with hands-on sessions and talks, promoting skills development, knowledge exchange, and networking across academia, industry, and the public sector.
The Cyber Leadership Symposium, hosted by Lancaster University and Templar Executives, brought together leaders from multiple sectors to share strategies and insights on navigating today’s complex cyber landscape. Exploring emerging technologies, strategic thinking, and global security trends, the event provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Participants explored best practices in leadership, gained inspiration from expert talks, and engaged in discussions designed to advance cyber leadership skills while fostering the next generation of cyber security professionals.
The Cyber Foundry at Lancaster University welcomed 50 Year Nine girls and their teachers from across Cumbria for the second Cyber Girls event, in partnership with the Library Engagement Team. Students toured the campus, explored cyber security through LEGO activities, and participated in an afternoon robotics session. The event offered hands-on experiences in cyber and technology, introducing young participants to career pathways, practical skills, and the exciting possibilities available in the field, while encouraging curiosity and engagement with STEM subjects.
Lancaster University hosted Cyber Champions, a not-for-profit initiative promoting digital and cyber awareness among schools, universities, and community groups. Young professionals and experienced volunteers acted as role models, teaching best practices in online behaviour and positive digital footprints. The event offered Lancaster’s postgraduate students opportunities to contribute to school programmes in the North West, gaining practical experience, professional development, and insight into engaging younger audiences while supporting community education in cyber security.
Lancaster University proudly hosted the inaugural BSides Lancashire, the North West’s newest event of the leading cyber security series. The event focused on technical research, inclusion, diversity, and career progression, bringing together participants from a wide range of roles and disciplines. It welcomed everyone from seasoned professionals to those just starting their journey in cyber, providing a platform for learning, networking, and exploring emerging industry trends.
Lancaster University, in partnership with Templar Executives, hosted the Cyber Security Leadership Symposium 2023, attended by over 150 industry and national security figures. Delegates included leaders from the NCSC, Ministry of Defence, National Crime Agency, and sectors such as nuclear, maritime, health, and commercial. Held under the Chatham House Rule, the symposium explored the importance of cyber knowledge among senior leaders and highlighted the skills and qualities essential for effective leadership in protecting organisations and driving cyber security initiatives.
Lancaster University, in partnership with Templar Executives, welcomed UK and international delegates from government, industry, the third sector, and education to the inaugural Cyber Security Leadership Symposium: Being a Global Leader in a Complex World. Highlights included addresses from Sir Jon Thompson, CEO of the Financial Reporting Council, and David Peattie, CEO of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Delegates gained insight into leadership, strategy, and innovation in cyber security, sharing best practices and networking across sectors to address complex global challenges.
