Students working on laptops in the background, with an abstract interconnected world image in front

Research

iCSS harnesses expertise across the University to address current and potential cyber security challenges. We care about the real world: Our research addresses real-world research problems, and we are committed to converting our research into real-world innovations, methods, procedures, products, services and policies, and to help people and organisations better protect themselves and others assets in the cyber-physical world.

The iCSS represents the University of Kent as a UK government recognised Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR), one of only 19 such centres in the UK. It is recognised by both the government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC, part of GCHQ) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC, part of UK Research and Innovation). The current recognition started in August 2018 and will last until June 2023.

Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research logo

We work with external organisations including industry, government and NGOs to help produce and promote good products, systems, practices and behaviours in cyber security. iCSS also works closely with international researchers, practitioners, policy makers and organisations, helping to increase the international visibility and influence of UK researchers in cyber security.

If you are interested in collaborating with us, please contact us.

Our offer

Open all

Research expertise at the iCSS comprises internationally renowned specialists, and is designed to produce creative and practical solutions. We collaborate with external researchers both nationally and internationally, and welcome the opportunity to discuss collaboration at individual, institutional and national levels.

Our subject experts are leaders in their field, with real-world experience of delivering business solutions. We work with businesses in many different areas, including but not limited to industry-funded PhDs and research projects, professional training, joint research and innovation projects such as those funded by the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, paid consultancy work, and serving as a partner.

Through our research and innovation activities, we help to inform policies and support public bodies’ work in cyber security. We also offer tailored consultancy services along with training and partnering opportunities.

We support schools and teachers on pre-university cyber security and online safety education and awareness activities. We are also keen to work with schools, teachers and parents to conduct joint research activities, for example, co-creation of cyber security and online safety games and extended student projects for pupils. Visit our Outreach page to learn more about our work for and with schools.

We also work closely with many NGOs (non-governmental bodies) and charities to serve the wider community on promoting cyber security awareness and online safety education of all citizens. There are many different ways we work with NGOs and chartities, including contracted work (e.g., survey design, data analysis, and technical reports), co-organising events, and joint research and innovation projects.