About Us

At Security Lancaster, we are creating a community that can shape the future of security research —driving bold, interdisciplinary innovation to tackle the world’s most urgent and complex protection challenges.

The world with interconnected lines between countries

Security Lancaster is one of the largest interdisciplinary security research institutes in the UK tackling complex security challenges. From maritime threats to trust and re-imagining security through cultural innovation, we fuse disciplines to protect societies, drive innovation, and rethink what security means in a rapidly changing world. ​

Our community pioneers research that protects people and infrastructures by challenging conventional thinking. We believe security is relational, contextual, and deeply human—demanding inclusive, interdisciplinary, and socially responsible approaches. Our work spans cultural, technological, and political domains—shaping security to protect citizens for today’s world and tomorrow’s possibilities. Our team of 120+ experts collaborates across 15 academic departments. We integrate theory with practice, connect researchers with policymakers, and co-design solutions with communities—bridging science, society, and strategy.

Our Purpose

Our community exists to transform how the world understands, researches, and responds to security and protection challenges. We integrate disciplinary expertise to deliver theoretically rich, use-inspired research that shapes policy, practice, and public understanding. Through deep collaboration with industry, government, and civil society, we drive innovation that protects people and communities in an era of unprecedented complexity.

Rethinking Security

We challenge conventional thinking and reimagine security as a dynamic, human-centred concept shaped by technological, cultural, and societal change. Our interdisciplinary research confronts the realities of a post-truth, post-physical, and post-human world—creating new frameworks to understand and mitigate emerging threats to individuals, organisations, and societies.

Pioneering Security Science

Our research blends foundational theory with urgent real-world inquiry. By balancing blue-sky thinking with application-driven science, we generate new knowledge and tools that advance security science as a discipline—ensuring our work is both academically rigorous and socially impactful. We push boundaries to shape the questions others have yet to ask.

Strategic Engagement

We forge powerful partnerships across sectors to turn research into real-world change. From industry collaboration to policy influence and public discourse, we amplify our impact through active engagement. Our ‘social infrastructure’ connects innovators, practitioners, and researchers—making Security Lancaster a catalyst for global dialogue and action on security.

Educating for Tomorrow

We equip the next generation of security leaders with the skills, mindset, and critical understanding to thrive in complex, fast-evolving environments. Our interdisciplinary education programmes prepare scientists, practitioners, and innovators to tackle future challenges with insight, agility, and purpose.