The director of Abertay cyberQuarter is to co-lead a new network aiming to strengthen cybersecurity, realise the benefits of emerging technologies, and better prepare the public against future cyber-threats.

Named the Cyber Security Research and Networking Environment (CRANE), the initiative has been supported by a UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) investment of £6 million.

A team of academics from across the UK will co-lead CRANE, including Professor Lynne Coventry from Abertay cyberQuarter—Abertay University’s hub for research, innovation, and economic growth of the cybersecurity sector.

Launching in 2025, the network aims to bolster cybersecurity across the economy, including sectors from manufacturing through to law enforcement, and help make businesses, charities, and communities more resilient against cyber-threats.

It’s set to provide leadership in spotting emerging global trends and national strengths in cybersecurity, including understanding the potential of game-changing technologies, not least artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Its projects will also work to address the challenges of tomorrow by fostering new research capabilities.

The £6m EPSRC funding specifically includes a £2m allocation for competitive grants supporting innovative research, helping to support early-stage research projects that have the potential to drive significant advances in cybersecurity.

“CRANE will provide a supportive, inclusive and multi-disciplinary network for researchers to develop their skills across both face to face and online situations,” explained Professor Lynne Coventry, co-lead of the initiative.

“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.”

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Feryal Clark, the UK government’s minister for cybersecurity, also commented: “Since taking office we’ve made shoring up our cyber defences a national priority.

“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.

“This network will bolster those efforts, building up a better picture of where our strengths lie and where the gaps we need to plug are, all while supporting our expert cyber security workforce to drive forward their careers and become the UK’s cyber leaders of tomorrow.”