UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has launched a new £6m cybersecurity network to bolster the UK’s cybersecurity capabilities. Led by the University of Oxford and supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Cyber Security Research and Networking Environment (CRANE) NetworkPlus aims to enhance resilience across multiple sectors by driving advances in cybersecurity to benefit businesses, communities, and government organisations.
In addition, the CRANE NetworkPlus programme will establish the UK’s first learned society for cybersecurity research, creating a platform for experts across disciplines to collaborate on emerging trends and technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. This society will also serve as a resource for UK businesses, government bodies, and the voluntary sector to connect with leading cybersecurity specialists, fostering national and international partnerships.
“Since taking office we’ve made shoring up our cyber defences a national priority, said the UK Minister for Cyber Security, Feryal Clark. “To make sure they’re stronger than ever, we’ll be bringing in new laws next year as we continue to take steps to ensure our online economy and critical services are safe, resilient and secure.”
Targeting key sectors at high risk of cyber-attacks
CRANE NetworkPlus will also promote career development within the cybersecurity field. Initiatives include face-to-face and virtual events, special interest groups, and regional activities that tap into local clusters of expertise. Small grants will also be available to support groundbreaking research.
Funding awards from the CRANE initiative will be allocated based on proposals submitted in response to specific calls issued through its horizon-scanning process and collaborative activities. This funding is intended to support early-stage research projects with the potential to drive significant advancements in cybersecurity.
Together, these efforts are aimed at building a robust community of cybersecurity professionals across the UK, contributing to a long-term, sustainable talent pipeline.
The network aligns with UKRI’s “building a secure and resilient world” strategy, which promotes enhanced national security across digital and physical domains. Developed in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), CRANE NetworkPlus aims to address critical areas of research that can strengthen the UK’s defences, improve awareness, and enable more resilient decision-making.
To be launched in early 2025, the initiative will be led by Andrew Martin from Oxford’s Department of Computer Science. It will be co-led by Professors Lynne Coventry from Abertay University, Adam Joinson from the University of Bath, Steven Murdoch from University College London, and Mark Ryan from the University of Birmingham.
Last week, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) Peter Kyle confirmed that the UK will legislate on AI risks next year. He said that the government aims to implement a legal framework for AI and strengthen the infrastructure required to promote development in the sector.
Read more: DSIT secretary confirms UK to legislate on AI risks in 2025
