A collaborative initiative from Lancaster University focusing on cyber security has secured a prestigious award, highlighting its role in advancing knowledge exchange between academia and industry. The North West Cyber Security Connect for Commercialisation (NW CyberCom) project, which represents an investment of £1.2 million, aims to unlock the cyber security potential within the north-west of England.
NW CyberCom relies on established partnerships with the National Cyber Force and GCHQ. The project strives to cultivate an innovation ecosystem throughout the North West Cyber Corridor, enabling collaboration among Lancaster University and six partner institutions, including The University of Salford and The University of Manchester. Together, they focus on transforming pioneering research into tangible products, services, and policies that enhance the protection of consumers, businesses, and critical infrastructure across the UK.
Recognition at Knowledge Exchange UK Awards
At the Knowledge Exchange UK Awards held in Salford, NW CyberCom was awarded in the Sector Collaboration Initiative category. Dr. Mark Rushforth, Associate Director of Enterprise and Innovation at Lancaster University, expressed pride in this recognition. He stated, “This award is a fantastic recognition of Lancaster University as a leader in cyber security, nationally and internationally.”
Dr. Rushforth emphasized that the success of NW CyberCom stems from the university’s robust research capabilities, which facilitate collaboration among influential partners. He noted, “Bringing together a huge project like NW CyberCom isn’t easy, and the team should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.”
The initiative not only supports the cyber security industry but also offers tailored training for university researchers to maximize commercial opportunities. Funded by Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund, NW CyberCom also enjoys support from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), reflecting its international significance.
Broader Implications and Additional Finalists
The Knowledge Exchange UK Awards, organized by Knowledge Exchange UK and supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), celebrate significant achievements in fostering innovation and collaboration. Stuart Wilkinson, CEO of Knowledge Exchange UK, remarked on the event’s importance, highlighting that each finalist exemplifies excellence and a commitment to making a lasting impact.
In addition to NW CyberCom, two other projects from Lancaster University were recognized at the awards. These included Quantum Base in the Commercialisation Initiative category and a project focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry in Nigeria within the Impact-Led Initiative category.
The recognition of NW CyberCom not only underscores the importance of collaboration in enhancing cyber security but also positions the north-west of England as a crucial player in national security efforts. As the region continues to foster innovation, it opens up new economic opportunities and strengthens its role in the global cyber landscape.
