Technologies, such as quantum computing, speech and face recognition, and autonomous systems, all have the potential to enhance our lives. But we have also seen how great technological leaps, such as the Internet, have been subverted for crime, conflict and war. We must find new ways to protect ourselves, to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, so we can keep safe what we hold dear.

The creation of the National Cyber Force and its location in Lancashire represents a once in a generation opportunity for the nation and region. Regionally it will stimulate the growth of industries, jobs and whole eco-systems around a collaborative mission of safety and protection. The £5bn investment in Lancashire, alongside the already significant investment made by GCHQ to establish themselves in Great Manchester, creates the UK’s Cyber Corridor; establishing the North West as an undisputed Cyber leader.

It is important to recognise two fundamental reasons which have drawn these organisations into our region: diversity and capability. The North West has great diversity, diversity of thought, of culture, ethnicity and importantly thinking. It is only through tapping into this diversity that we can ever hope to really get to the heart of some of these challenging socio-technical protective issues. In addition, time and again, the North West has shown its exceptional capability to develop, think differently and ultimately get the job done.

Lancaster University has always been at the heart of cyber. From the outset of the National Cyber Security Centre’s schemes to recognise universities for their capabilities, Lancaster has been one of the first to have a certified Masters Degree in Cyber Security, be recognised as a centre of excellence in cyber security research, and most recently being recognised as a centre of excellence in cyber security education. Lancaster University is also home to the Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats; the UK’s hub for behavioural and social science research into critical security issues, funded by the UK intelligence and security agencies, and the UK Home Office.

This demonstrable, inter-disciplinary excellence has generated real impact in the communities which the university serves. Whether it is the students we educate, our research partners we collaborate with, or businesses we support with innovation, we have sought to increase the awareness and opportunities around cyber.

It is against this the backdrop that I am delighted to announce a flagship initiative to grow our university community who work on these increasingly complex challenges. We are investing £19m to create over 30 new academic roles, 10 new professional services roles and 15 new Professors in Practice. These new positions will add to our existing distinctive and highly regarded community, strengthening our disciplinary capacity to deliver against the problem-based, interdisciplinary needs of our partners.

These roles will sit alongside a capital programme to develop The Data Cyber quarter on the university campus. This will draw together, and expand, on our critical research and operational facilities, supporting world class research, enterprise and engagement. The Data Cyber Quarter will become a nexus focused on community to drive collaboration, innovation, inclusion and Interdisciplinary thinking.

This investment allows us to lead the way in supporting the region as it scales up to meet the growing needs of its cyber eco-system. Lancaster University is already priming the talent pipeline having created a new, innovative Cyber Security Executive MBA programme which is recruiting this year, as well as two new undergraduate programmes in Data Science and Cyber Security, recruiting for 2023. We have ambitious interdisciplinary research programmes in fundamental areas; such as linguistics, human behaviours, Secure systems design, AI, maths and statistics, and cyber physical systems; as well as cross cutting areas such as Autonomous Systems, Critical Infrastructures and understanding cultures and security. We also have numerous engagement programmes, providing businesses in cyber innovation through our Cyber Foundry projects, and our newly formed partnership with Barclays and Plexal to operate Greater Manchester’s Digital Innovation and Security Hub.

This investment, combined with our existing strengths and capability will clearly place Lancaster University as an international flagship of academic excellence in cyber protection and security; and help to support the UK’s mission to become a responsible cyber power.

If you think you can help us tackle these challenges I would encourage you to talk to us. Whether in the Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Management, Law, or any domain you think might be applicable, you may be able to help support ours, and the regions, cyber mission. We would be delighted to explore with you the significant opportunity we are creating here at the university, and in the region through collaboration with our partners.

Your future work with us in research, teaching and engagement, may be what keeps our nation and its citizens safe and secure as cyber emerges as the next important geopolitical domain; enabling prosperity in increasingly uncertain times.

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