We are one of 35 universities selected by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to form an alliance to spearhead defence research and boost skills and careers in defence.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP made the announcement at a launch of the Defence Universities Alliance (DUA) at the University of Manchester on Monday 13 June.
The Alliance will create a stronger network of defence research expertise and drive a highly skilled workforce across the UK. The Alliance is a long-term collaboration between the MOD, the UK Armed Forces, the Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor for National Security and the higher education sector.
We are one of three North East England universities to have been selected as founding members of this Alliance, which will also involve the opportunity to shape and influence MOD policy.
As part of this Alliance, we commit to helping address defence and national security challenges, contribute to a network of research expertise, and to equip graduates with the skills required for careers in defence and national security.
We already play a significant role in research and education that supports and promotes the resilience of the UK, our democratic way of life and the security of our citizens.
We look forward to continued working with other universities in the region as we seek to drive innovation, economic growth, and the development of a skilled workforce in the North East of England.
We are committed to supporting this critical national strategic imperative. That we have been selected to become part of the Alliance is recognition of our expertise, knowledge and insight in areas such as sensing, imaging and communications technologies, global policy, artificial intelligence and moral injury – areas that help strengthen the nation’s security, resilience and economic success.
Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “The UK is changing rapidly and so is what the country needs from its universities. By equipping students with the skills needed for the defence sector jobs of tomorrow and carrying out cutting edge research, universities have an integral role in our national security.”Professor Tim Dafforn, Chief Scientific Advisor, Ministry of Defence, said: “The Defence Universities Alliance represents a genuinely transformative step forward in how Defence partners with the UK’s world-leading academic sector. By bringing together our shared expertise, ambition and innovation, the Alliance will help us tackle some of the most complex challenges facing Defence at a strategic level.”
Libby Hackett, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said: “As well as boosting defence capabilities, partnerships and research in areas such as cyber security, advanced manufacturing and AI bring wider public benefits, including technological innovation, economic growth and skilled jobs. The DUA will build on this, enabling stronger collaboration between academia, government and industry."
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