As a flagship data and cyber security institution, Lancaster University is proud to have played a pivotal role as part of the team behind the bid to locate the National Cyber Force (NCF) in Samlesbury Lancashire.

From online child exploitation and fraud to national security and defence, cyber security is essential to a safe society and Lancaster’s interdisciplinary research teams have already established a globally-leading presence in this vital field, working to protect people from cyber-attacks and criminal activity.

Lancaster is one of an elite group of universities - and the only one in the North West of England - to be triple accredited for excellence in cyber education and research across the board. This includes NCSC recognition as a Gold Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education, having an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research and having our Cyber Security Master’s programme certified.

We have unique strengths in safe, secure, and resilient digital and cyber systems ranging from forensic and network security to interdisciplinary research at the social and technical interface. We also assist businesses to defend, innovate and grow. Lancaster is the lead institution in CREST - the multi-million ESRC-funded UK hub for behavioural and social science research into security threats.

Lancaster University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield said: “We welcome the start of the levelling up agenda coming to the North West and look forward to the opportunities it attracts.

“As an anchor institution, Lancaster University is essential to the economic strength of our region and we welcome the significant opportunity this announcement brings.

“This development enables us to escalate delivery on the UK Government Innovation Strategy for mission-led science by bringing in and retaining talent and skills while supporting the meaningful growth and prosperity of the North.

“Our existing research expertise and investment, coupled with today’s announcement, opens the door to a new and ambitious programme of growth for Lancaster’s data and cyber research.”