The University of Liverpool is a partner in a major new project that will boost the potential of the North West cyber sector to keep the UK at the forefront of cutting-edge cyber security.
The £4.9 million CyberFocus project combines the strength and expertise of seven universities across the North West and aims to deliver both societal and economic benefits for the region.
Cybersecurity Institute Liverpool (CIL)
CyberFocus will draw on expertise from the University of Liverpool’s Cybersecurity Institute (CIL).
CIL is at the forefront of cutting-edge research, combining theoretical insights with practical solutions to address the ever-evolving challenges of cybersecurity. Recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the Institute is part of an elite group of universities in the UK celebrated for their internationally leading contributions to the field.
CIL’s expertise spans critical areas, including formal methods for security, physical layer and network security, cyber-physical systems, and the protection of privacy and online rights. These core strengths are further enhanced by pioneering work in emergent fields such as AI for security and the security and privacy of AI. By leveraging this diverse expertise, the Institute develops innovative and impactful research outputs.
Professor Dominik Wojtczak, from the School of Electrical Engineering Electronics and Computer Science and head of CIL, said: “This project will not only cement the North West’s status as a cyber powerhouse but also address the rapidly escalating need for cybersecurity expertise in the region. At the University of Liverpool, we are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge research that drives meaningful real-world impact. Through this collaboration, we aim to leverage our expertise and work closely with academic, industrial, and civic leaders to drive innovation, enhance resilience, and promote prosperity across a range of sectors.
“As part of this commitment, the University is launching a new postgraduate conversion programme in Cyber Security, designed to meet the demand in the region for professionals with these vital skills.”
Find out more about the University’s new MSc in Cyber Security here.
North West partnership
The CyberFocus project also involves Universities of Liverpool, Manchester, Salford, Central Lancashire, Cumbria and Manchester Met and is led by Lancaster University.
It will also be supported by other partners including Team Barrow (Westmorland & Furness Council, and BAE Systems), Cumbria LEP (now Enterprising Cumbria), Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Lancashire County Council.
North West Cyber Corridor
It will leverage the cyber expertise within the seven partner universities and close partners that together form the North West Cyber Corridor stretching from Lancashire to Manchester and encompassing Cumbria, Merseyside and Cheshire.
The programme will act as a catalyst for cyber knowledge exchange so that research ideas and innovations are transformed into solutions, products and services that will help protect people and businesses as well as drive economic growth.
EPSRC Place Based Impact Acceleration Account scheme
CyberFocus is one of seven new projects supported through £22 million of funding by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme.