Defence and Security Sector Engagement statement
Working with the defence and security sector to support national and international security and prosperity accords with the University’s 2030 ambitions and strategy.
As part of this ambition the University works with governments around the world, businesses, and organisations to achieve our strategic objectives on the environment and climate, health and wellbeing and social justice. The University works with the UK government and regional agencies for example, in support of national security; from cyber security, deradicalisation and anti-terrorism intelligence through to improving capability in our police and armed forces. The University of Exeter is a key part of the Great South West and the South West Regional Defence and Security Cluster ensuring values and responsible research perspective contribute to the economic strength of the region.
Our approach supports the University’s commitment to academic freedom and includes our support for teaching and research in the broad field of defence and security including the examples below:
Greener
- Impact of climate change on national supply chains and military readiness
- Climate-driven disruptions and migration
- Circular economy (and sustainability) in the defence economy
- Advances in cyber security
- Resource (food/water/natural minerals) and infrastructure security and resilience
- Machine learning and remote sensing
- Autonomous systems and robotics
- Novel and advanced materials for protection
Healthier
- PTSD causes and rehabilitation
- Veteran mental health/transitioning to civilian life research and support
- Enhanced virtual reality technology for training and simulation
- Combatting bioterror related infections
- Novel treatments for severe persistent wound infections (anti-fungal treatments and phage-based therapies)
- Diagnostics and sensing for toxins, pathogens and illegal materials
- Overcoming muscle wasting diseases
- Biomechanical assessment and footwear analysis/exoskeleton technologies to minimise injury
- Cognitive training programs to overcome performance-related stress and anxiety.
Fairer
- Leadership, decision making, team dynamics and negotiation techniques
- Military ethics and the international law of military operations including the use of cyber and AI technologies in security operations
- Research on violence against women and girls
- Intercultural communication and competence
- Post-conflict stabilisation and development
- Electrical Fire Safety Policy recommendations for Fire and Rescue Services
- Digital and physical forensic research and advice for police forces and fire services
- Online extremism and radicalisation; open-source intelligence support
We also undertake research into dual-use technologies for the UK Government and their agencies, such as the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, the Armed Forces, the Police and Fire and Rescue services. Dual-use technologies are technologies that could have both commercial and military application, for example AI in unmanned vehicles could be commercial or military. This research can involve critical and emerging technologies and approaches that are fundamental to our national security and prosperity and aligns with the Government’s (and their agencies’) needs.
All our research, education and business engagement with the defence and security sector is subject to our rigorous ethics, partnership principles and due diligence processes which include considering relevant export controls, sanctions, and the National Security and Investment Act thereby ensuring compliance with the UK Government’s policies, regulations and legislation. The University also complies with EU and US regulations ensuring compliance with international export control requirements.
The University fully considers the impacts and opportunities surrounding all our collaborative research activity that supports the delivery of our 2030 Strategy and targets. The University’s Council and Executive Board are committed to continually reviewing the processes and governance that support our partnerships.
