press release
Published: 24 October 2024

£8 million academic-industry centre launched to deliver advanced skills and innovation needed to secure communication networks of the future

Governments and industry can be more confident in the security of future telecommunications networks with the launch of a major new centre this week.

£8m Centre for Doctoral Training Launch: Advancing 5G/6G, AI & Cybersecurity | University of Surrey

FORT is supported by £8 million in government funding, through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The launch event, hosted at the University of Surrey's 5G/6G Innovation Centre, highlighted the importance of training postgraduate researchers in the fast-evolving fields of wireless communications, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and networking. At least 50 PhD researchers will develop their skills and industry-ready innovations over the next eight years.

The collaboration between academia and industry is pivotal in positioning the UK as a leader in secure and resilient communications networks. The launch of FORT is just the beginning of a bold journey towards shaping the future of telecommunications. The backing of the EPSRC has been essential in establishing this partnership between Surrey, Queen's and our 21 valued industry partners – together we have the potential to deliver a transformational shift in the UK's position at the heart of innovation for future global telecommunications infrastructure. Professor Rahim Tafazolli, Head of the Institute for Communication Systems (ICS)

The PhD cohort studying at Queen's University Belfast will be based at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies.

As we look to the future of telecommunications, securing our networks is more critical than ever. CDT-FORT brings together the brightest minds from academia and industry to address this challenge. By equipping the next generation of researchers with advanced skills in cybersecurity, AI, and wireless communications, we're not just shaping the future of secure networks—we're strengthening the resilience of the UK in telecommunications. Queen's University Belfast is proud to be a partner in this ambitious initiative, which will play an integral role in driving innovation and safeguarding the connected world. Regius Professor Máire O'Neill, Queen's University Belfast

The event featured demonstrations, discussions and networking sessions, providing attendees with insights into the future of telecommunications, AI, and cybersecurity. Industry partners shared their vision for the collaboration, stressing the significance of academic-industry partnerships in addressing the real-world challenges faced by the telecommunications sector.

Share what you've read?

Featured Academics

Rahim Tafazolli

Prof Rahim Tafazolli

Head of the Institute for Communication Systems (ICS)

Media Contacts

External Communications and PR team
Phone: +44 (0)1483 684380 / 688914 / 684378
Email: mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
Out of hours: +44 (0)7773 479911