Australian and UK academics establish new Global Security and Society Institute

Two universities from the UK and Australia have come together to launch a new research group to take on challenges such as cyber crime and terrorism.

La Trobe University and Sheffield Hallam University in the UK announced the formation of the Global Security and Society Institute at Australia House in London on 7 June. The institute will also study the rise of artificial intelligence as well as the challenge of modern slavery.

The aim of the institute is to bring together technical expertise with the humanitarian and social sciences and, in so doing, develop new capacities for training and research in global security. Alongside researchers from both universities, the institute will liaise with industry, governments, and intelligence agencies.

Researchers from the Centre of Excellence in Terrorism, Resilience, Intelligence, and Organised Crime Research (CENTRIC) will represent Sheffield Hallam, while La Trobe will be represented by researchers in international relations, foreign and defence policy. La Trobe’s studies into mis- and dis-information in the digital age, human health and performance, and decision making under pressure will also help inform the institute’s own studies.

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“Now, more than ever, it’s imperative that transnational communities come together to share knowledge and expertise on pressing global security issues that affect us all,” said Professor John Dewar, vice-chancellor at La Trobe University.

“Our ambitious new Global Security and Society Institute, led jointly with our strategic partners at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK, will bring together fresh perspectives, world-leading research expertise and thought leadership to help governments, agencies and businesses navigate unprecedented challenges now and into the future.”

Professor Sir Chris Husbands, vice-chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University, is delighted by the collaboration.

“This is a great example of a genuinely internationally leading collaboration, whilst demonstrating both institutions’ commitment to advancing global research partnerships between the UK and Australia,” he said.

David Hollingworth

David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.