The Cyber Security Research and Networking Environment (CRANE) NetworkPlus, led by the University of Oxford, is supported by a £6 million investment from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
A team of academics from across the UK will co-lead CRANE, including Professor Lynne Coventry, Director of Abertay cyberQuarter, Abertay University’s centre for research, innovation and economic growth for the cybersecurity industry.
The initiative aims to boost cybersecurity across the economy, including sectors from manufacturing and healthcare through to law enforcement, and will make businesses, charities, communities and people more resilient against cyber threats.
It will provide leadership in spotting emerging global trends and national strengths in cybersecurity, including understanding the potential of game-changing technologies from artificial intelligence to quantum computing.
Working with Professor Coventry will be lead researcher Andrew Martin, Professor of Systems Security at the University of Oxford, in addition to Adam Joinson from the University of Bath, Steven Murdoch from University College London, and Mark Ryan from the University of Birmingham.
CRANE projects are intended to address tomorrow’s engineering research challenges by fostering new research capabilities.
Launching in early 2025, the network will help to deliver the UK Cyber Ecosystem pillar of the government’s UK National Cyber Strategy by improving the structures, partnerships and networks necessary to support a whole-of-society approach to cyber, whilst also supporting pillar 3, Technology Advantage.
Professor Lynne Coventry said: CRANE will provide a supportive, inclusive and multi-disciplinary network for researchers to develop their skills across both face to face and online situations. Being able to effectively network is vital for researchers' careers and affords the opportunity to nurture relationships from which authentic collaborations can form, discuss ongoing research and identify opportunities.
