StrathCyber, the Cyber Security Research Group at the University of Strathclyde was credited the award by the Government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and EPSRC, signifying the exceptional quality and impact of Strathclyde’s cybersecurity research endeavours.

Joining only 21 universities across the UK to hold this title, Strathclyde’s designation as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) follows a rigorous evaluation process of the research conducted by 17 esteemed members of academic staff across the university’s four faculties.

StrathCyber’s research ethos is characterised by its interdisciplinary approach, focusing on resilience and digital harms. With expertise spanning human factors, infrastructure security, privacy and regulation, system security, and formal methods, the group stands at the forefront of cutting-edge cyber security research.

Leading the new ACE-CSR is Dr Daniel Thomas, from Strathclyde’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences, supported by Professor Wendy Moncur, leader of the Cyber Security Research Group, and Professor Fiona Strens, Director of the Strathclyde Security and Resilience Research Centre.

“This is a significant achievement. Strathclyde is only the second university in Scotland to be awarded this status, and it makes us part of an elite grouping of cyber research teams across the UK,” said Dr Thomas. 

“It is a testament to the quality of the research of the academics and other staff who contributed across all four faculties. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with government, industry, and academic partners to deliver impactful cyber security research and are delighted at this recognition.”

Professor Moncur emphasised StrathCyber’s commitment to fostering resilience in cybersecurity, underscoring the group’s approach to understanding the human and organisational dimensions of online behaviours and challenges. 

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“This goes beyond mere ‘tech’ solutions. We take problem-driven approaches, working to understand people and organisations – their behaviours, experiences, and challenges online – in the face of current and future threats to identity, privacy, and security,” she said. 

“We strive to design solutions that enable legitimate citizens and organisations to operate safely and securely online to achieve their desired goals, and to protect them from online harms. It’s terrific news that our research has been recognised.”

The University of Strathclyde has made substantial investments in cybersecurity in recent years, with over 40 members comprising researchers and PhD students within the StrathCyber group.

The recognition of StrathCyber as an Academic Centre of Excellence reaffirms the University of Strathclyde’s commitment to advancing cyber security research and its pivotal role in addressing the evolving cyber threats faced by society.