University recognised for excellence in cyber security research
The University of Liverpool has been named an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The university is joining a group of 21 universities who are recognised as conducting internationally-leading cyber security research in the UK.
To achieve this status, the university has demonstrated a critical mass of academic staff engaged in leading edge cyber security research with a proven track record of producing high impact cyber security research and a commitment from university leaders to support and invest in the university’s cyber security research capacity and capability.
Chris Ensor, Deputy Director Cyber Growth at NCSC, welcomed the fact that 21 universities have been recognised as Academic Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research, including four who have received the award for the first time.
He said: “These recognitions are testament to the dedication of academics, support staff and senior management who have ensured that cyber security remains high on the university’s agenda.
“And they demonstrate that the UK has a growing number of world class universities carrying out cutting edge research into all areas of cyber security. We very much look forward to working with them over the coming years to tackle the most difficult cyber security challenges.”
The Cybersecurity Institute at the University of Liverpool (CIL) conducts cutting edge research on the theoretical foundations and practical solutions of cybersecurity with a view to creating innovative and impactful research such as open-source software tools, datasets, patents and prototypes.
The main areas of existing research expertise at the university are formal methods for security, network security, cyber-physical systems, privacy and authentication. These areas are complemented by emergent themes of AI for security, and security and privacy of AI.
Dr Dominik Wojtczak, from the university’s School of Electrical Engineering Electronics and Computer Science (EEECS) and head of CIL, said: “This prestigious award is recognition of the dedication and hard work of the cybersecurity researchers at the university. Ground-breaking work being conducted here not only pushes the boundaries of knowledge but it also plays a role in fortifying our cyber defences in a rapidly evolving digital landscape powered by the AI revolution.
“As we navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world, our world leading research will help develop innovative solutions and contribute to safeguarding our IT security and resilience.”
The ACEs-CSR scheme is supported by the National Cyber Security Centre and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). It is one of several initiatives outlined in the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Strategy ‘Protecting and promoting the UK in a digital world’.
